This series promised sparks, they are there. After a big intensity game 1, the nuggets and the clippers did this tonight. But this time, the Californians have better finished their meeting to win (102-105) Behind a capital performance of their leader, Kawhi Leonard (39 points at 15/19 on shots!), In front of a triple-double nikola (26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists). Los Angeles thus resumes the advantage of the field before the 3rd game Thursday in Inglewood.
Like the first round, none of the two teams was really decided to take a substantial advance in this part. Taking advantage of the usual force of attraction of Nikola Jokic, the nuggets have generally signed a better start. Behind the Serbian, Michael Porter Jr. found some sensations near the circle, while Jamal Murray signed a serious start. Denver counted up to 8 points ahead in the first quarter (31-23).
But visitors did not have any difficulty in recolling by tightening their defense and relying mainly on the man of this first period: Kawhi Leonard. Impressive patience against Aaron Gordon, the winger chained high class actions halfway. Supported by a very random James Harden with his 3-point “step-back”, “The Klaw” finished his first period of first period (a missed shot) with a winning shoot in the buzzer despite three players around him (52-55).
Leonard finished better than Jokic
The two defenses took the step a little more afterwards. And the battle has gained intensity like a spout between Jamal Murray and Norman Powell, ended in distribution of technical faults. Little in sight at the “scoring” before this period, Nikola Jokic responded to Nicolas Batum 3-point at the end of the quarter, before finishing under the circle (76-78).
While Russell Westbrook still spark with two almost consecutive awarded baskets in the corner (89-89), who was going to put the first KO? On several occasions, the Clippers, who however suffered enormously to secure the rebound, gave the impression of being able to escape. But 4 minutes from the term, Michael Porter Jr. found a way to equalize (96-96). Rebelote with Jamal Murray, two minutes later (100-100), in response to Kawhi Leonard, after Aaron Gordon missed a solo dunk…
It was here, 90 seconds from the end, that Norman Powell signed a huge 3-point basket to restore advance to his training. After a visit to the Jokic line, Leonard scored again in front of Gordon, and especially stung a ball badly transmitted by the Serbian behind. The latter, after a brick from Christian Braun, will have a final attempt at the 3-point buzzer: a brick too …
What to remember
– Kawhi Leonard on another planet. Effective but a wavering (7 lost balloons) in the first match, the clippers leader martyred the defense of nuggets throughout the evening. Aaron Gordon gave himself a lot and taking two were regularly sent. Leonard has shown control to find his preferential areas, most often halfway, and reach a level of higher efficiency. He had never scored so many points in playoffs since his 2021 campaign.
– Too much waste for nuggets. The Clippers had lost 20 balloons in Game 1 (against 11 in the Nuggets). Sabling perfectly returned to this match where the Nuggets, well “helped” by the defensive plague opposite Kris Dunn, committed too much blunders. Like this last lost fate ball by Jokic. The latter, like several teammates, also dropped a few points on the launch line in the “money time”. And we do not talk about this dunk missed by Gordon at the end …
– Michael's reaction Porter Jr. Clumsy and little involved in defense, he had watched the end of Game 1 from the bench. Her reaction was expected for this match, she was there with a solid double-double at 15 points and 15 rebounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP7CVGP6DO4
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How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / Trute-free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
