Opposite dynamics between Nuggetsco-leaders of the West still undefeated at home, and the Clippersstill weaned from away victory beyond “surfing” on five defeats in a row.
Overall, the match was dominated by Denverthe reigning champions notably taking up to 13 points ahead in the second quarter, driven by a Nikola Jokic in the oven and in the mill (32 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists), in addition to being well supported by Aaron Gordon (20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Reggie Jackson (18 points).
However, when returning from the locker room, Los Angeles whittled away the delay and reignited the suspense of the game, in the wake of Paul George (35 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) but also James Harden (21 points), the instigators of comeback Californian.
A comebackor rather an attempt to comebacksince the Nuggets will end up making the difference in the “money time”, not without difficulty, by relying mainly on their Jokic – Gordon – Jackson triplet, stronger than the “hero ball” of Paul George or Kawhi Leonard (111 -108).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Denver held on mentally. The heart of the champion spoke since, even in difficulty, the Nuggets managed to validate their seventh victory of the season in seven home games. Dominant before the break then jostled after returning from the locker room, Michael Malone’s men were able to come together and this collective solidity allowed them to punish the Clippers in “money time”. To do this, nothing could be simpler: Nikola Jokic’s teammates pressed in the paint against the “very small ball” of Los Angeles.
– Still no victory for James Harden with Los Angeles. Five games, five defeats: this is now the record of the Clippers when James Harden is in uniform, and he has even climbed to 0-6 since the transfer with the Sixers was concluded… For the moment, we cannot say that Tyronn Lue found the right formula and, collectively, it’s still just as messy. This is evidenced by the “money time” of the Californians, where Paul George and Kawhi Leonard increased their solo actions, almost systematically breaking their teeth on the Nuggets defense. Enough to sound the first real alarm bells?
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
