D’Angelo Russell says Lakers ‘did good things’ against Nuggets in Game 2

The win didn’t happen, but the Lakers, including D’Angelo Russell, had many positives to take away from Monday’s Game 2 loss to the Nuggets.

It was close but no cigar for the Lakers, who came painfully close to beating the Nuggets in Game 2 but fell short thanks to Denver's second-half comeback.

The Jamal Murray winner with Anthony Davis falling onto the Nuggets bench was a gut-punching way to lose, but D'Angelo Russell remained optimistic even in defeat.

"Next game," Russell said after Game 2. "Next game. Like I said, I like where we're at. We did good things that gave us an opportunity to win all night. It came down to some things that we really couldn't control. I like our fight."

Russell certainly put the Lakers in a position to win. He was sensational in his shooting, making seven 3-pointers.

His swagger was through the roof. He made basket after basket and jogged back on defense with his mouthguard hanging out, doing his best Steph Curry impression.

Russell's top performance was not only necessary but a relief, as his play against Denver prior to Game 2 ranged from mediocre to awful. This game proved Russell could make the Nuggets pay for not putting the proper defensive attention on him. If he can replicate this play in Los Angeles in games 3 and 4, L.A. will have a great chance to win both games and even the series.

It's hard to find positives in Game 2 when all you think about is the opportunity wasted, but the Lakers did play well.

Anthony Davis was sensational, with 32 points and 11 rebounds. He was so dominant in his matchup against Nikola Jokić that the Nuggets had to switch him off the defensive assignment.

In the first half, the Lakers also won the rebounding battle, which head coach Darvin Ham stressed was an area to improve after Game 1.

There's a Lakers win in a matchup against the Nuggets. Los Angeles just needs to unlock it.

If the Lakers can get more offensive production from Austin Reaves, slow down Jokic as much as possible and Russell stays hot from the field, they'll be in a position to close the Nuggets out in crunch time again. Hopefully, if they have a chance to beat Denver at home, they can get it done.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.