LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers face the daunting task of bouncing back from two consecutive defeats after losing to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the WCF.
This also makes it the ninth time James faces a 2-0 deficit. Per Marc J. Spears: “Teams have a 6-56 series record all-time when trailing a Conference Finals 2-0.” He also added, “Two of the six series wins were by LeBron James teams in 2007 and 2018.”
NBA teams have a 6-56 series record all-time when trailing a Conference Finals 2-0. Two of the six series wins were by LeBron James teams in 2007 and 2018. @ESPNStatsInfo pic.twitter.com/iio15UxfN8
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 19, 2023
James’ first 0-2 deficit was during the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. After going down in the first two games, James rallied the side back to win the series 4-2. James had 32 and 25 points in Games 3 and 4, respectively, to steer a comeback. While they did make the NBA Finals that season, they were swept 4-0 by the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2018, James faced a similar situation as his Cavaliers unit trailed the Boston Celtics 0-2 in the Conference Finals. He responded with 27 and 44 points in Games 3 and 4 to even the series and then rattled off two more wins to help the Cavs make the Finals and book a date against the Golden State Warriors, but lost 4-0.
Nuggets are 6-0 all-time when taking a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven playoff series 👀 pic.twitter.com/JQH0svcey2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 19, 2023
While the outcomes in both Conference Finals were in favor of James, the Nuggets have some unique distinction of their own, going 6-0 all-time when taking a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven playoff series. Can James now recreate his 2007 and 2018 magic? Only time will tell.
LeBron James Still Optimistic About Lakers Turnaround
Despite being 0-2, James isn’t worried about the deficit and is far from pressing the panic button. Perhaps, it was the experience talking.
“This is not the NCAA tournament,” James said. “It’s first to 4 wins.” Not only does it mean that the 38-year-old is putting the loss in his rear mirror, he knows the Lakers have 5 games to get four wins.
His own struggles aside, James putting a brave front is also an example of how the team backs themselves to get through tough situations. This is one such test, and it remains to be seen if LA can claw its way back in.
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