In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando to break down the first two games of the Western Conference Finals and preview Game 3 between the Nuggets and Lakers. Among the topics covered:

+ Michael Malone is raising the political spice level against the national "narrative." The latest domino to fall in Denver's war on ESPN was Lisa Salters' comment about not previously covering Nikola Jokic. Mike Singer shares his thoughts on the Nuggets' fight for "respect," even with a 2-0 series lead. And on the topic of fighting words, what to make of Bruce Brown's comments about D'Angelo Russell?

+ Durando and Singer marvel at the timing of Jamal Murray's electrifying fourth quarter and discuss the importance of Denver's transition game as the series moves to Los Angeles. Was altitude actually a problem for LeBron James and the Lakers in crunch time of Game 2?

+ What adjustments will the Nuggets make to try stealing a win in Los Angeles? Brown and Michael Porter Jr. played the fourth quarter of Game 2 instead of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. How will Malone handle his lineups if the next clash comes down to the wire again?