83-117
FINALDenver
Nuggets
57-39|L10: 5-5
LA
Clippers
53-36|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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LAC • Center • #40
10 months ago
Zubac continued to score the ball well, finishing with a series-high in points on efficient shooting. However, Zubac’s usual impact on the glass was absent as he secured just five rebounds in Game 5 after tallying at least nine in the previous four, with his one assist also tying his lowest output of the series. Down in the series 3-2, the Clippers head back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Thursday, where they face a must-win situation to keep their season alive.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
10 months ago
Harden had a quiet night on Tuesday, barely cracking double figures in scoring and failing to register double-digit shot attempts. The 2018 NBA MVP has faced a stifling Nuggets defense that, over the last few games, has forced the ball out of his hands, leading to inferior performances compared to earlier games in the series. Harden will look to have a bounce-back performance on Thursday as he tries to lead the Clippers to a season-saving victory in Game 6.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
10 months ago
Leonard did a little bit of everything for the Clippers in Game 5. The two-time NBA Finals MVP posted a series-high in assists and also hit the glass hard, resulting in a near-triple-double. Leonard has scored at least 20 points in all five games of this series. However, the Clippers may need even more from him going forward as they look to extend their season beyond Thursday’s Game 6 at the Intuit Dome.
DEN • Center • #15
10 months ago
The three-time NBA MVP had a relatively quiet game by his standards but still came away with his third triple-double of the series. Jokic struggled with shooting efficiency, and his scoring output was the lowest of the series. Yet, his points were not as necessary in this game, given how well the rest of the Nuggets shot the ball. Nevertheless, Jokic will be in line for another big performance on Thursday when the Nuggets face the Clippers in Game 6.
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
10 months ago
Westbrook was electric in his first game back in the lineup following a foot injury that kept him out of Game 4. His second-quarter scoring ignited the crowd and helped set the table for what would be his highest-scoring game of the postseason. The 2017 NBA MVP has had himself a nice series thus far from a scoring standpoint and will have a chance to end his former team’s season on Thursday in Game 6.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
10 months ago
Fresh off a series-low 13 points in Game 4, Murray exploded for a series-high on Tuesday. He totaled nearly as many three-pointers in this game as he had in the previous four combined, while still managing to dish out seven assists. Murray got hot early in this one and never cooled off. That has provided his Nuggets the opportunity to eliminate the Clippers for the second time in the last five seasons, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday.
DEN • Small Forward • #1
10 months ago
Initially questionable for Game 5, the Nuggets announced that Porter is officially available. He’ll take his usual place in the starting lineup, likely surpassing 40 minutes after logging 42 in Denver’s Game 4 victory on Saturday.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
10 months ago
Westbrook is available after sitting out the Nuggets’ wild Game 4 victory on Saturday. He should not have much difficulty reaching double digits in minutes, something that only one Nuggets reserve (Peyton Watson) did in Game 4.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward • #1
10 months ago
MPJ left the bench area during a Game 4 scuffle but won’t face suspension if he suits up on Tuesday. He logged a series-high 42 minutes in Game 4 and will likely play a significant role in Game 5 if healthy and engaged.
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
MPJ is still dealing with the left shoulder injury that he suffered in Game 2, but it isn’t expected to impact his availability on Tuesday. He played 42 minutes in Game 4 and scored 17 points with four three-pointers. Expect him to continue to play significant minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
Westbrook missed Game 4, but interim head coach David Adelman just relied on his starters more than usual. If Westbrook misses another game, expect the starters to all play 40-plus minutes once again. Peyton Watson was the only reserve to play more than 10 minutes, and he played 13.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
11 months ago
After attempting at least 14 shots in each of the first three games of the series, Harden was only responsible for 11 in Game 4. And the Nuggets were able to fluster The Beard, with things coming to a head in the form of an altercation late in the second quarter. Harden did make some solid plays late, with the Clippers ripping off a 32-9 fourth-quarter run to get back into the game. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory, with the Nuggets pulling even at two games apiece. He’ll need to be better in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.
LAC • Center • #40
11 months ago
Zubac has recorded a double-double in three of the series’ first four games, with Saturday’s effort including a complete stat line. The Clippers’ center has done his best defensively to make life difficult for Nikola Jokic. Although he hasn’t always been successful, Zubac has still managed to make significant contributions offensively. The Clippers now head to Denver for Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday night, with the series tied at two games apiece.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
11 months ago
Leonard has scored at least 21 points in all four games of this series, essentially looking like the elite version of himself. He and Bogdan Bogdanovic (7/4/2 with one three-pointer) were key factors in the Clippers’ 32-9 fourth-quarter run, serving as the “point men” in the team’s 1-1-3 zone. Denver’s offense grinded to a halt down the stretch, but Aaron Gordon’s dunk of a Nikola Jokic miss gave the visitors the two-point win. Leonard and company will look to bounce back on Tuesday, with the Nuggets hosting Game 5.
LAC • Guard • #24
11 months ago
After totaling 25 points in the first two games of the series, Powell benefited from the action shifting to the friendly confines of the Intuit Dome. In Games 3 and 4, he shot 14-of-25 from the field and 7-of-16 from beyond the arc. Saturday’s performance included four three-pointers during a 32-9 fourth-quarter run that nearly allowed the Clippers to steal the win. Alas, Aaron Gordon’s dunk as time expired was the difference. With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Clippers will need the “home” version of Powell to show up on the road. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Denver.
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
11 months ago
Braun and backcourt partner Jamal Murray (13/7/7/2 with one three-pointer) could not find their strokes in Game 4, as they were a combined 2-of-13 from three and 13-of-36 from the field overall. However, it was enough to help the Nuggets pick up a win the team desperately needed, evening the series at two games apiece. Braun and Murray will look to bounce back at home, as the Nuggets host Game 5 on Tuesday.
DEN • Center • #15
11 months ago
With his team facing a 3-1 deficit, Jokic was dominant in Saturday’s Game 4 victory. While he finished two assists shy of a triple-double, the Nuggets center recorded the fourth 30/20 game of his postseason career. While Jokic being the focal point offensively is unsurprising, he’s either scored or assisted on a staggering 55.5 percent of the Nuggets’ points in this series. With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Nuggets host Game 5 on Tuesday.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
11 months ago
To argue that Gordon may have saved Denver’s season on Saturday would not be an exaggeration. In a play similar to Lorenzo Charles’ dunk to win the 1983 national title for NC State, the Nuggets’ forward slammed home a Nikola Jokic airball as time expired to even the series at two games apiece. Still struggling with a calf that sidelined him on multiple occasions during the regular season, Gordon shot over 50 percent from the field and finished in double figures for the fourth straight game. Game 5 is on Tuesday night.
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
Westbrook is officially out after left foot inflammation limited him to nine minutes in Game 3 on Thursday. His absence frees up rotation minutes for Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett. However, with Denver needing a win to even the series, starters Jamal Murray and Christian Braun may play more minutes than they usually would.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
For the second straight game, Porter is available after being considered questionable on the initial injury report. He’ll occupy his usual place within the Nuggets’ starting lineup. Hopefully, he’ll perform better than he did in Denver’s Game 3 defeat on Thursday.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
Westbrook played nine minutes in the first half of Thursday’s Game 3 defeat and did not return after halftime. Julian Strawther moved into the rotation but was ineffective, missing his lone shot attempt in 11 minutes of action. Strawther and Jalen Pickett may pick up a few additional minutes if Westbrook cannot play. However, given the stakes, it’s more likely that Denver asks starters Christian Braun and Jamal Murray to shoulder even more of the perimeter workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
Porter Jr. is dealing with a left shoulder sprain. He suffered the injured late in Game 2 and despite playing 35 minutes in Game 3, he was largely ineffective. Now Porter Jr. is questionable for Saturday. With injuries mounting for the Nuggets, he could opt to play through the injury. It is the playoffs after all.
Source: Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
Westbrook only played nine first-half minutes before heading to the locker room with an inflamed left foot. His exit resulted in second-half rotation minutes for Julian Strawther, who missed his lone shot attempt and finished with one rebound and one blocked shot in 11 minutes. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the turnaround will be quick, as Game 4 is on Saturday. Strawther and Jalen Pickett will be asked to contribute more if Westbrook is unable to play.
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
Porter was a game-time decision for Game 3 after injuring his left shoulder late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat. While he did play 35 minutes, the Nuggets forward was largely ineffective, shooting 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Porter has a Grade 2 AC joint sprain, an injury that can sideline a player for multiple weeks. But, since it’s the postseason, he’s trying to play through the ailment. With Aaron Gordon (calf) and Russell Westbrook (foot) also dealing with injuries, the Nuggets will be in a tough spot for Saturday’s Game 4.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
11 months ago
Gordon got off to a hot start Thursday night, scoring 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field in the first quarter. Unfortunately for him, that was as good as it got in Game 3, and a lingering right calf injury could be a factor. During the game, the NBATV announcers reported that Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had informed them that Gordon would not be playing if it were the regular season. But it’s the postseason, so the veteran forward is doing his best to push through the injury. Game 4 is on Saturday in Los Angeles.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
11 months ago
Murray has scored 21 points or more in all three games of this series, shooting over 50 percent from the field in Games 2 and 3. Unfortunately for him and the Nuggets, Thursday’s stat line was recorded in a 34-point defeat. Murray has recorded at least three turnovers in all three games. While the lackluster performances from some of his teammates were more significant issues in Game 3, the Nuggets don’t have much margin for error in a series they now trail two games to one. Game 4 is on Saturday.
DEN • Center • #15
11 months ago
Jokic recorded another triple-double on Thursday, his second of the series, but the Nuggets have lost both games. While Kawhi Leonard’s excellence was a key factor in the Game 2 defeat, Denver’s supporting cast failed to show up in Game 3. With Jokic having to deal with Ivica Zubac for most of the night, Denver’s “others” must be better if they’re to win the series. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon, with the Nuggets aiming to avoid a 3-1 deficit.
LAC • Center • #40
11 months ago
Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac’s ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that’s the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Center • #40
11 months ago
Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac’s ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that’s the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
11 months ago
After going off for 39 points in Game 2, Leonard did cool off some in Game 3. The Nuggets devoted more attention to him defensively, but the Klaw had plenty of help in the 117-84 demolition. Four starters scored at least 19 points, and two reserves also reached double figures. And with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon playing through injuries, Denver’s task of slowing Leonard may be more difficult moving forward. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Guard • #24
11 months ago
After scoring 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting in the Clippers’ two games in Denver, Powell was much better in Game 3. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but the Clippers’ guard finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, with the Clippers aiming to take a 3-1 series lead.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
11 months ago
Harden’s scoring has decreased since he dropped 32 in the Clippers’ series-opening defeat, but it has not negatively impacted the team’s success. In Game 3, The Beard was one of four starters to score at least 19 points, but the Clippers holding Denver to 83 points was the biggest reason why they won the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome by 34. Harden and the Clippers will look to take a 3-1 lead when they host Game 4 on Saturday.
DEN • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
11 months ago
Due to an inflamed left foot, Westbrook’s availability for the remainder of Thursday’s game is uncertain. He played nine minutes in the first half, scoring three points (1-of-5 FGs) with one rebound, one assist and one three-pointer. Julian Strawther entered the rotation during the third quarter after not playing in either of the first two games. While he can provide three-point shooting, Strawther is not the defender that Westbrook is.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
Injured late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Porter was cleared to play on Thursday after successfully going through his pregame routine. He’ll occupy his usual place within the starting lineup, while Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook will miss out on the opportunity to start.
Source: Vinny Benedetto
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
Injured late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Porter was cleared to play on Thursday after successfully going through his pregame routine. He’ll occupy his usual place within the starting lineup, while Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook will miss out on the opportunity to start.
Source: Vinny Benedetto
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
Porter injured his shoulder late in Game 2 when Clippers guard Kris Dunn landed on him as both were diving for a loose ball. While Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said Wednesday afternoon that he was confident MPJ would be available for Game 3, he is officially questionable. Peyton Watson and Russell Westbrook are the players whose minutes would most likely increase if Porter sits, with one of them likely moving into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
MPJ bounced back with a 15-point double-double against the Clippers in Game 2 after a lackluster Game 1. It appears like he’s on track to play despite his shoulder injury. He could cut into Russell Westbrook’s workload if he remains active and productive.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
11 months ago
Murray struggled with his shot in Game 1 but was able to improve his shooting efficiency in Game 2. However, that wasn’t enough to help Denver defend their homecourt. Murray was able to make a strong impact and hit a triple to tie the game at 100 with 2:07 left in the fourth. However, that ended up being his final shot attempt of the night. The Nuggets ceded homecourt advantage by losing this game, and they’ll need to win one of the next two games to get it back. Game 3 will be in Los Angeles on Thursday.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
11 months ago
After dropping 32 points in Game 1, Harden didn’t replicate that scoring in Game 2. That can mostly be attributed to Kawhi Leonard taking over this game, which led to fewer shots from Harden. The series shifts to Los Angeles, and Thursday will be the first playoff game in the Intuit Dome. Harden had 35 points and 10 assists against the Rockets in the Clippers’ last home game. Unless Kawhi goes nuclear again, expect Harden to be more involved on offense in Game 3.
LAC • Center • #40
11 months ago
It has been over a month since Zubac played a game and didn’t record a double-double. Playoff basketball hasn’t changed that. He has averaged 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds through the first two games of this series while trying to slow down Nikola Jokic. Zubac is a finalist for the league’s Most Improved Player award, and even if he doesn’t win it, the strides that he has taken this season will help him get paid. He’s in year one of a three-year, $58.7 million contract, which is a bargain for the Clippers.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
11 months ago
This was an unreal performance from Leonard. He entered halftime with just one brick and didn’t miss his second shot until the fourth quarter. He also ended the first half with a triple at the buzzer to give the Clippers a lead. He scored or assisted on LA’s final seven points, and he had a steal with 37.1 seconds left that helped secure the win. Kawhi played like the player that willed the Raptors to a championship in 2019. Injuries have derailed his tenure with the Clippers, but if he continues to channel the Kawhi of the past, they’ll have a chance to make a run.
DEN • Small Forward • #1
11 months ago
When asked about how to help Michael Porter Jr. stay engaged after Game 1, Nikola Jokic said, “If you’re not going to be engaged right now, then you’re not supposed to be playing this sport.” Well, MPJ seemed to be more engaged in Game 2, and he ended up making some big plays down the stretch of this game as both a shooter and rebounder. He set a new playoff career-high for rebounds after finishing with just three points and four rebounds in 27 minutes on Saturday. Even though Denver didn’t get the win, MPJ playing better was a positive takeaway. If he keeps this up moving forward, Denver will be tough to beat.
DEN • Center • #15
11 months ago
After narrowly missing out on a triple-double in Game 1, Jokic had no problems reaching those marks on Monday. This was the 19th playoff triple-double of his career, which is third in NBA history behind Magic Johnson and LeBron James. As impressive as parts of his stat line were, this wasn’t a flawless night for Jokic. He left four points at the free throw line in a three-point loss, and he turned it over seven times, including once with 37.1 seconds left in the game. Jokic was incredible, but he will need to be even better in Game 3 on Thursday to help Denver take back home-court advantage in this series.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
11 months ago
Gordon played 46 of a possible 53 minutes in Saturday’s overtime victory to open the series. He’s on the injury report for injury management reasons, and the probable tag suggests Gordon will be available in the end. Peyton Watson, who logged 14 minutes in Game 1, will take on additional playing time if the Nuggets’ starting power forward is limited in any way.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAC • Small Forward • #2
11 months ago
Leonard shot the ball well in Saturday’s series opener, but the issue is what happened when he was not shooting. The Klaw committed a game-high seven turnovers, and the last thing a team can afford to do in the postseason is give away possessions. However, there should not be too much concern if Leonard’s regular-season production is an indication of what’s to come. He only had five games with at least four turnovers. Leonard will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Monday.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
11 months ago
Leonard shot the ball well in Saturday’s series opener, but the issue is what happened when he was not shooting. The Klaw committed a game-high seven turnovers, and the last thing a team can afford to do in the postseason is give away possessions. However, there should not be too much concern if Leonard’s regular-season production is an indication of what’s to come. He only had five games with at least four turnovers. Leonard will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Monday.
LAC • Center • #40
11 months ago
Zubac had his hands full defending Nikola Jokić in Saturday’s series opener. That task did not prevent him from doing his job offensively, with the Clippers’ center shooting 66.7 percent from the field and recording an efficient double-double. Zubac has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and his play on both ends of the floor will be critical in this series. The Clippers and Nuggets meet again in Game 2 on Monday.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
11 months ago
Despite getting into first-half foul trouble, Harden had an excellent afternoon in Denver. While the production did not net the Clippers a victory in Game 1, The Beard made 50 percent of his shots and only committed two turnovers. Regardless of who the Nuggets assign to him defensively, this has the potential to be a massive series for Harden numbers-wise. He and the Clippers will look to earn a road split when they face the Nuggets in Game 2 on Monday.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
11 months ago
Despite getting into first-half foul trouble, Harden had an excellent afternoon in Denver. While the production did not net the Clippers a victory in Game 1, The Beard made 50 percent of his shots and only committed two turnovers. Regardless of who the Nuggets assign to him defensively, this has the potential to be a massive series for Harden numbers-wise. He and the Clippers will look to earn a road split when they face the Nuggets in Game 2 on Monday.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
11 months ago
Murray did not get off to the best start on Saturday, shooting 2-of-8 from the field in the first half. While slightly better after the intermission, the rebounds and assists were where the Nuggets guard was most impactful in Game 1. Who helped pick up the slack in stretches was Russell Westbrook. Despite shooting 5-of-17 from the field, he chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 34 minutes off the bench. Murray’s overall stat line was solid, but the Nuggets will need him to shoot better moving forward.
LAC • Small Forward, Power Forward, and Shooting Guard • #33
11 months ago
Batum practiced fully on Wednesday, so it isn’t surprising that he will be available to play in Game 1 against Denver. The Clippers haven’t released an official injury report yet, but Batum should play his usual role off the bench, which was 17.5 minutes per game during the regular season.
Source: Joey Linn