The Denver Nuggets did something no other NBA team has done in the playoffs before. They came back from a 3-1 series deficit to beat their opponent in two series of the playoffs. In five of the seven games, the Nuggets played they had been down by double digits. Yet they would come back and win in four of those contests as the Nuggets stun the Clippers. The Clippers now 0-8 in playoff series games to clinch a spot in the conference finals. Stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each with incredible performances to get their team the win. Jokic’s impact was all over the floor as he had a triple-double scoring 16 points, with 22 rebounds and 13 assists. While Jamal Murray was lights out on offense scoring 40 for his team. In the first half however, the game was neck and neck between these two teams.
Both teams began with a sense of urgency as the lead did not get too far from either team. Each team in the first quarter could only get a 4 point lead on the other. Some tough defense and contested shots made it a close game for either side as the score was tied at 24 apiece in the first quarter. The Clippers began to pull away in the second quarter as they picked up their offensive rhythm and had a 9 point lead before Jamal Murray made a 3-pointer that stopped the bleeding. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard however, began to make some key shots for the Clippers. They were able to get the Clippers lead up to 12 points with 4 minutes left in the first half. Jamal Murray was determined though, and brought his team back within only two as the first half ended 54-56 Clippers.
The second half began with the Clippers offense firing off immediately as they were able to extend their lead to 7 right out of the gate. Denver was able to go on their own run though behind a pair of three pointers from Jerami Grant as they took the lead back. Kawhi was unable to get his mid-range shot going as he only had 14 points on the night. Paul George with 10 points. was a non-factor. Bench player Montrezl Harrell led all Clippers with 20 points, an abysmal night on offense for the Clippers. The Nuggets capitalized on the disappearance of the Clippers star players as they ran away with the game, getting their lead all the way up to 20 points. With a minute and a half left the Clippers substituted George and Leonard as they accepted defeat and the Nuggets beat the Clippers 104-89.
After the game, Nikola Jokic said, “I’m going to remember every single moment because this is a special crew”, talking about the historic playoff run. Murray who had 17 points more than the duo of Leonard and George had this to say about those doubting his team, “They (Lakers) got to worry about us too.” If Nuggets can continue to play with this kind of chemistry, they may just surprise the NBA with how deep of a playoff run they can make. They look to take Game 1 against the Lakers in the Western Conference finals Sunday night.
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