The Los Angeles Clippers used a strong third-quarter surge and a clutch fourth-quarter performance to secure a 111-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets, forcing a Game 7 in the Western Conference First Round on May 2.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
Nikola Jokic 25 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 53.4 FPS
Jokic had his lowest playmaking and rebounding numbers of the series, but he made up for it on defense, tallying 4 stocks and recording at least 3 in five games. He also bounced back in scoring, starting strong with 20 points on nearly 70% shooting in the first half, though he was limited to just 5 points in the remainder of the game. Despite that, he’s been consistently putting up exceptional numbers throughout the series, and Game 7 should be no different.
Jamal Murray 21 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST | 48.6 FPS
Murray was coming off his sixth 40-point performance in his playoff career in their Game 5 win. He carried some of the momentum with 12 points in the first quarter, but he couldn’t quite keep it going. Despite that, he maintained strong value in rebounding and playmaking, and also added 3 blocks. He’s also poised for a standout performance in Game 7 at home, where he’s currently averaging 5 three-pointers in three games.
Russell Westbrook 14 PTS | 10 REB | 6 AST | 33.0 FPS
Russ has been highly impactful in his last two games after missing Games 3 and 4 with a foot issue. He recorded his second 20+ point game this month in Game 5 and followed it up with a strong all-around performance today, shooting 50% in both outings. With the team not fully healthy, he should remain a strong option in offense and should keep on producing if they want to win the series.
Aaron Gordon 19 PTS | 5 REB | 1 BLK | 30.5 FPS
Gordon has been a dependable scorer in this series, averaging 18 points while shooting 50%. Both of his 20-point games have come at home, making another strong offensive outing possible.
Christian Braun 14 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST | 19.1 FPS
Braun wasn’t as impactful on defense, after averaging 2 stocks and nearly 7 rebounds in earlier games. He struggled offensively for most of the series, but he has turned it around with highly efficient performances in his last two games and scoring in double digits in each of his last three. Still, he has yet to deliver a true breakout performance.
Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers:
James Harden 28 PTS | 6 REB | 8 AST | 52.2 FPS
Harden struggled offensively in his last four games of the series but started strong today, scoring 21 points on a hot 7-for-10 shooting from the floor. He couldn’t maintain that pace in the second half but still finished with his second game shooting 50% from the field. His inefficiency in offense remains a weakness but he continues to offset this with his strong contributions in the secondary categories.
Kawhi Leonard 27 PTS | 10 REB | 5 AST | 45.5 FPS
Kawhi has recorded at least 20 points and 9 rebounds in each of the last four games, including three 20-point double-doubles during that span. He leads all scorers in the series, averaging 25 points per game on a highly efficient 55% shooting. Given his consistent two-way impact and effectiveness in scoring, he should have no trouble putting up another dominant performance in Game 7.
Nic Batum 6 PTS | 6 AST | 3 BLK | 36.0 FPS
Batum has become the X-factor in this series with his steady play on defense, totaling 23 rebounds and 15 stocks over his last five games. Offensively, he’s also been impactful, averaging 2 threes on 40% shooting. They’ll need another performance like this from him if they hope to win the series.
Norman Powell 24 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 34.1 FPS
Powell has gotten himself going, scoring at least 20 points and averaging 3 threes in three of his last four games—all at home. But with the series going back to Denver, he may have trouble putting up this level of performance again after struggling in his first three road games.
Derrick Jones Jr. 8 PTS | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 20.9 FPS
Jones came up big in the second half, delivering a strong two-way boost and helping the team build a double-digit advantage. He hasn’t had two strong performances in a row in this series, but he should remain an important part of the rotation in Game 7.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Ivica Zubac 10 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK
Big Zu has been a strong threat in scoring and rebounding most of the series. However, both his offensive usage and production were limited today and may remain so in the next game. Despite that, he should still be a valuable contributor while playing a significant role in defense–as the team’s best option against Jokic.
