With the Denver Nuggets and L.A. Clippers set to play their second-round Game 7 tomorrow, here’s the Denver Post on some of the matchup’s key issues:
The Nuggets knew the challenge they were in for in limiting Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Both two-way stars have been electric and caused myriad defensive problems.
Leonard’s bullish style is grueling for anyone to stop — his strength and ability to get to his spots almost unmatched in the NBA. And George has been a two-way terror, causing all kinds of headaches for Jamal Murray and draining 43% of his more than eight 3-point attempts per game. Together, they’ve averaged almost 50 points per game. And still, it’s probably fair to say that Jerami Grant and Gary Harris have done an admirable job on them.
But there’s something to be said about comfort. Leonard and George have never gone into a Game 7 environment together. Jokic and Murray have on three separate occasions, including last round against Utah.
Jokic’s attitude toward elimination has been well-documented. The pressure of going home doesn’t faze him at all. His numbers over their five elimination games are staggering.
Game 7 may come down to Murray’s ability to shake the avalanche of defenders coming his way. In their three wins, Murray’s averaged 24.7 points, including 53% shooting on 3s, six assists and 5.3 rebounds. In their losses, those numbers have plummeted to 14.7 points, on 33% 3-point shooting, 7.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds. To free up Murray, the Nuggets have to get stops, rebound and run. If they do that, they might just shock the world.
Leading scorers for each team in the 2020 playoffs so far:
Nuggets (PPG):
Jamal Murray 26.1
Nikola Jokic 26.1
Michael Porter Jr. 11.8
Jerami Grant 9.8
Monte Morris 8.8
Clippers (PPG):
Kawhi Leonard 29.4
Paul George 21.1
Lou Williams 13.3
Marcus Morris Sr. 12.2
Montrezl Harrell 9.7
