Heading into the first round, there was one series that, above all others, looked all but predestined to go to seven games. Call it circumstance. Call it divine intervention. But the Clippers and Nuggets shaped up to be as evenly-matched a duel as there was in the world of hoops.
That all-important Game 7 swept across television screens like a dust storm. Given the contour of the previous six matchups, it figured to also be a tightly-contested affair.
What it devolved into was a pummeling.
Denver captured the much-vaunted victory, breezing past Los Angeles, 120-101 to advance to the second round and set up a date with MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
The Clippers started the game the better of the two sides, rattling shots home with regularity. Derrick Jones Jr. exploded for seven early points, while Kawhi Leonard, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ivica Zubac showed flashes in the opening frame.
But once the Nuggets found their form, they were tough to stop. Coming into the affair, Denver’s fate was tied firmly to the showcases of its star players — Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Neither Jokic nor Murray had otherworldly outings on Saturday night. Instead, the Nuggets were fueled by a balanced attack, one which saw six players record at least 14 points. That’s the first time such a figure has been reached in Game 7 history.
Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon were all wildly efficient during Saturday’s duel. And despite Leonard’s best efforts, the Clips couldn’t compete, especially not in a second half that saw them surrender 62 points.
The Clippers haven’t surrendered just yet. Their bench mob — a motley crew of talents featuring Kobe Brown, Drew Eubanks and Cam Christie — have orchestrated a 15-2 run to bring Los Angels within 17. There’s just two minutes left, however, so that will likely do little to change the result. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like a lost cause at this point.
After putting a beatdown on Los Angeles for the better part of four quarters, the Nuggets have taken their starters out with about five minutes left. They’re up 30, so such a decision seems to make sense. Well, I guess that’s one way to close out a game.
What a showing by the Nuggets thus far. Jokic and Murray have upped their production in the third. But it hasn’t mattered all that much – a 35-19 frame has Denver flying high at the end of the third. They’re really running away with this one.
The hits keep on coming for Denver. Gordon and Braun have spearheaded this recent Nuggets outburst, pushing their point totals up to 18 and 19 points, respectively. It’s like the Nuggets are just showing off at this point.
The Nuggets have blown this game open in the third period. They started the frame with a 19-7 run, turning their 11-point edge into a 23-point gulf. It’s like they’re playing a different game out there.
Denver holds serve after two quarters, taking advantage of their even-handed approach to rush out to an 11-point edge. Leonard remains as effective as ever, tallying a game-high 14 points for the Clips. Denver’s stars haven’t been all that efficient — Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 17 points, but only on 7-of-18 shooting. Still, the Nuggets’ depth is paying off in a major way — they’ve outscored the Clippers 17-7 off the bench. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the Nuggets are just outclassing the Clippers in every aspect of the game.
Westbrook continues to make his presence felt. Another starring showcase for the standout sixth man — he’s sank three of his five shot attempts and collected three assists and two rebounds to boot. Westbrook is really showing up when it matters most.
The Nuggets have reestablished their advantage, fueled by a balanced team approach; seven players have at least five points, including bench stalwarts Peyton Watson (seven points) and Russell Westbrook (10 points). It’s like the Nuggets are playing chess while the Clippers are playing checkers.
The Clippers came back with a flourish of their own, ending the period on a run of their own to take a 26-21 lead. It’s like they finally woke up from a nap or something.
After surrendering six unanswered points to start the quarter, the Nuggets came back with a flourish, taking a 13-11 lead at the six-minute mark. Jones is the star of the show for the Clippers, tallying seven points thus far. Meanwhile, Denver has used a multifaceted approach to start the contest — all five starters have points, led by Braun with five. Looks like both teams are starting to find their groove.
Zubac opens the scoring for the Clips, finishing off a slick James Harden feed. And we’re off to the races!
After all the waiting, we’re off! Game 7 of the first round is underway! Let the games begin!
As for the Nuggets, things are all square. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Nikola Jokic lead the crew to kick off Saturday’s matchup. Let’s see if they can keep up their momentum from the previous game.
The Clippers are enlisting a new starter for tonight’s matchup, calling upon Derrick Jones Jr. to join their starting corps. He’ll replace guard Kris Dunn, who started each game this postseason but saw just 10 minutes of playtime in Game 6. Maybe this change will shake things up for the Clippers.
Nikola Jokic has been a marvel in Game 7s, averaging 26.0 points, 16.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists across five such matchups. He’s had a formidable adversary in Clippers big Ivica Zubac. But he’ll look to recreate his previous magic in his latest series finale. It’s like watching a magician at work.
Game 7 between Los Angeles and Denver will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. The matchup will be played at Bell Arena in Denver, Colo. Get ready for a showdown!
TNT and truTV will broadcast Clippers vs. Nuggets on Wednesday night. Those who need an alternate viewing option can also stream on Max or Sling. Don’t miss out on the action!
There you have it, folks. The Nuggets have punched their ticket to the second round with authority. They came, they saw, they conquered. And the Clippers? Well, they’ll have to regroup and come back stronger next time. It’s all part of the game.
