Denver Nuggets’ Strong Response, Beat LA Clippers 110-101

Denver Nuggets were outstanding against the LA Clippers, earning their first win of the series, and leveling the score to 1-1. Nikola Jokic and his crew defeated the team from Los Angeles, 110-101, confidently controlling the match right from the tip-off.

Such a change compared to the series’s opening game was astonishing, and the Nuggets once again showed that they surprise in the least expected situations.

“I thought tonight we were a noticeably different team than we were in Game 1. Our defense, our activity, and the fact that we were willing to help each other.”

The Nuggets came in flying in this contest, scoring 14 points and allowing just two in the starting few minutes. It was a statement that they won’t be easy prey this time. Both Jokic and Jamal Murray were at a much higher level, scoring 53 points combined, and shooting 20-for-38 from the field, 7-for-13 for three. Overall, the entire Nuggets team performed much in the attack than a few days ago. Murray thinks that it is because of fatigue after a tough series against the Jazz.

“We were tired,” he said. “We came out sloppy, we came out exhausted, we didn’t make shots and it showed.”

The Canadian guard scored 27 points and had six assists, shooting 10-for-21. Meanwhile, Jokic was unstoppable, and he showed why many think he was supposed to be All-NBA First-Team this year also.

The Joker dropped 26 points, had 18 boards, four assists, and three blocks in 37 minutes. Denver’s big man missed just one of his five three-pointers and was driving Doc Rivers furious with his solutions.

Nikola Jokic on why he’s so patient on offense:

“I’m patient because I cannot really run fast. That’s my only option.”

— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 6, 2020

On other thing made the Clippers’ head coach very unhappy. Kawhi Leonard failed to show up tonight. The Claw had 13 points, with four shots made in 17 attempts. The two-time NBA Finals MVP contributed in different aspects of play, having 10 rebounds and 8 assists, but the Nuggets restrained him well when it comes to scoring.

“We dug ourselves in a 20-point hole early,” Kawhi said. “We can’t do that … but give the Nuggets credit. They came in very aggressive tonight on both ends, they played well, and they won the game.”

The Clippers’ best shot was with 8:36 to go when Paul George hit a three to cut down the deficit to five points, 91-86. Yet, the no.3 seed in the West rebuffed that attempt, closing the game confidently and regaining self-esteem after a terrible Game 1.

Murray.
Stepback.
Filthy. pic.twitter.com/VeGFbORjUB

— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2020

The above-mentioned George had a team-high for the Clippers, with 22 points, 7-for-19 8 boards, two steals, and blocks each. Ivica Zubac added 15 in 20 minutes, grabbing 9 rebounds, while Marcus Morris had 11. Lou Williams scored 13, while Green and Harrell had 10 each, with the note that Green added 11 boards to his stats.

Paul Millsap and Gary Harris had 13 points each for the Nuggets. Both of them did a great job in the defense, making stops all night. Michale Porter Jr. had 11 off the bench, and Monte Morris one point fewer.

Unlike Game 1, the Nuggets sunk 15 threes, while on the other side, the Clippers had just nine in 32 shots.

It was the first time this season that the Nuggets outplayed the Clippers, even though they had one win against them prior to this clash. The franchise from Colorado was much tougher and more poised on the defensive side of the ball, and that eventually created the momentum in the offense.

Game 3 of this matchup is this Monday.