Three quick takeaways from Nuggets’ 111-105 loss to Clippers in Game 6.
Stomach turning: There is nothing funny about turnovers and Joker fading into the background. The Nuggets spoiled a terrific opening punch with sloppy play to open the second quarter. They committed five turnovers in the first four minutes as the Clippers used a smaller lineup, leaning heavily on Nicolas Batum instead of relying on Ben Simmons, a ghost in a uniform. DeAndre Jordan looked lost, forcing Nikola Jokic back into the game. It made sense to keep the Clippers within reach. But interim coach David Adelman and the Nuggets paid a price. Jokic finished the first half 9 of 13 for 20 points. But foul trouble and perhaps fatigue played a role in a quiet finish. Jokic had five points in the second half on 2 of 9 shooting, and when Ivica Zubac blocked his driving layup with 24 seconds remaining — the three-time MVP wanted a foul — it sent the Clippers into a Game 7.
David Adelman calls out Game 6 refs. But what can Nikola Jokic do to help himself in Game 7?
James Gang: Small Game James Harden helped the Nuggets take a 3-2 series advantage entering Thursday night. It matches his history of postseason fades as his career average sinks from 23.3 to 20.8 points in Games 5-7 in a series. Harden scored 26 points in Games 4 and 5 combined. He attempted only four 3-pointers. He flipped the script with a more aggressive approach. Harden posted 28 points, using a variety of moves, from stepback 3s (he sank three) to driving layups. That’s the bad news. The good news is that he has not resembled that player at Ball Arena since Game 1.
Powell’s Triple: Norman Powell has disappeared in Denver during this series, averaging 12.3 points a game. It is hard to remember an important sequence he has produced. But a return to Los Angeles brought his offense back to life. The Clippers guard scored 11 points in the third quarter, finding space in transition and behind the arc. He eclipsed 20 points in all three games at Intuit Dome, including 24 on Thursday. The Clippers went 4 for 22 from 3-point range in the first half. Led by Powell, the Clippers drained 4 of 9 behind the arc in the third, outscoring Denver 32-22.
Want more Nuggets news? Sign up for the Nuggets Insider to get all our NBA analysis.
Originally Published:
