Los Angeles Clippers v Denver Nuggets (Clippers lead 3-2)
The Clippers had another chance to get into the Western Conference final but blew a huge lead to allow the Nuggets to force a game seven. They jumped out to take the lead going into the half, 63-47, but left their sense of urgency in the locker room. They blew most of the lead, 79-77, in the third quarter. The Nuggets took that momentum and blew the Clippers out of the water, winning 111-98. The Nuggets stay undefeated in postseason elimination games.
The Clippers’ loss to the Nuggets through no fault of G Paul George (9-21FG 4-9 3PT 11-11FT 33PTS 6REB 3AST 5STL 1BLK 3TO 39MIN). Paul has tried his best to push the Clippers to the conference finals without support. Sixth Man of the Year, F Montrezl Harrell (5PTS), was still nowhere to be found. The Clippers continue to act like the game is over at halftime, and the Nuggets have made them pay.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, got a great game from their All-Star C Nikola Jokic (13-22FG 4-6 3PT 4-5FT 34PTS 14REB 7AST 1STL 1BLK 5TO 40MIN). Jokic has saved his best play for these elimination games and it has paid off. The Nuggets also got contributions from G Gary Harris (16PTS), F Michael Porter Jr (13PtS), and Monte Harris (10PTS), but the biggest thing that is pushing this team forward is their will to win.
The Clippers have allowed the Nuggets to come back twice this series. Both teams are now one win away from playing the Lakers for the Western Conference crown.