After the Clippers‘ Game 4 win over the Nuggets last Wednesday, an all-L.A. showdown in the Western Conference Finals appeared to be an inevitability. The Nuggets had mustered just 85 points in their Game 4 loss, Michael Porter Jr. was publicly griping about the team’s offensive approach, and the odds of Denver once again overcoming a 3-1 deficit were remote.
The Nuggets haven’t rolled over though, erasing 16- and 19-point Clippers leads in Games 5 and 6 respectively to push the series to 3-3 and set up a Game 7 on Tuesday. As was the case in the first round against Utah, Denver has been at its best when facing elimination, with all the pressure on the opponent to close things out.
If the Clippers can’t close things out, it would be another devastating collapse for a franchise that’s 0-7 all-time in series-clinching games to advance to the Western Finals, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Led by All-Star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the club has been considered one of the NBA’s top title contenders all season long and entered the series as overwhelming favorites.
L.A. continues to be heavily favored in Game 7 (BetOnline.ag lists the Clippers at -7.5), but the Nuggets have done an excellent job holding the Clips’ supporting cast in check this series. Besides Leonard and George, no Clipper is averaging over 11.5 points per game. Lou Williams (.368/.130/.769 shooting) has struggled badly with his shot, while Sixth Man of the Year winner Montrezl Harrell has posted a dismal -11.3 net rating in his minutes.
The Clippers have had a knack this season for flipping the switch and coming up big when they need to after disappointing showings. But in a Game 7, there’s little room for error. If Nikola Jokic and/or Jamal Murray have big games, L.A. will need Leonard and George to match the Nuggets star(s) — and the Clippers would probably love to see at least one or two role players step up as well.
What do you think? Will the Clippers ultimately advance to the Western Finals as we all expected after Game 4? Or can the Nuggets pull off the major upset, coming back from a 3-1 hole for a second consecutive series?
Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section to weigh in with your thoughts!
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I want to see Clippers vs Lakers
Last time I pick the wrong one
I did not know Rockets are terrible playoffs team
Now you know.
The fact we are even here shows how much the talking heads were wrong about the Lakers “issues”. They were worried about the wrong LA team.
I don’t disagree but
Mavericks-Nuggets> Blazers-Rockets
By a lot.
Mavericks are not that good. Only had doncic and took clippers to 6….trailblazers were the hottest team coming into the playoffs. Rockets were also the best offensive team left in playoffs and got exposed why does everyone minimize what lakers and lebron do?
I’m not the biggest lebron fan but dude has played well these playoffs against good teams. I just think clippers are massively overrated and kawhi raptors still almost made it conference finals without him lol
I am not a fan either…but Bron is awesome.
Lots of Lakers fans here voting for Denver because they know that the Clippers are a much bigger threat than the Nuggets.
Lot of Lakers fans moving on to the West Finals while the Rockets are going home again.
I mean one could say lots of Rockets fans voting for LAC, too, because they’re salty and the LAC are the Lakers rival. It’s easy to spin a story without fact.
I’m not an LAL fan, but I voted for Denver because I think LA is under way more pressure. Denver has the momentum, and the Clips may play tight.
Jokis is super clutch when it comes to life or death games, he has played so far 8 in his career & has been very good in all of them. & that will be the difference he is the best player on the court in the series, having a great game will be the end of LAC!
Said it from last September LAL v DEN was gonna be the WCF, never ever saw HOU/LAC with a real chance!
IMO, Clips never appreciated the difficulty of incorporating two new superstars into a team that had something of a carry over identity. There were challenges, no doubt (including PG13 starting the year late). But the lack of immediacy was evident from mid-year on. A lot of that has to be on Rivers. He’s a made man and will never be called on it, but the simple fact is he hasn’t risen to this challenge.
If Denver doesn’t kill them, the series might make the Clips stronger going forward. But I thought that about Dallas series as well, and it looked like it might be the case for 4 games.
Rivers has no concept of a team. He’s just like, entertain me. He coaches like he’s sitting on the sofa with a remote.
I just want a home grown smaller market team to have some success. Go Nuggets!
Kill them ? Always plays big. This is Jokic 2 yr in playoffs. He’s had good stats so far. He does show up. Gotta give them that. He’s never been past second rd. So what is all the excitement about. Clippers have taken this team serious. Especially going up 3-1. It’s their own fault. Gotta give Denver credit. They are fighting. But it’s time to go home now. This is for grown folks now. Clippers are not losing three straight. I expect a spanking .
Have not taken Clippers serious. My bad
All one needs to do is remember that these are the…, Clippers. Enough said.
I’m joking of course but wow they are starting to look like “the Clippers.” How do you not close out the nuggets? This would seem to have been their year to get this done, after all those Chris Paul Blake Griffin DeAndre Jordan flameouts. Could it be the curse continues? My goodness these really are the Clippers.
By the way I’ve been high on the Clippers all year because of Kawhi Leonard and the toughness of Beverly and I really did like Landry shamet a year or two ago, I thought he was a young up-and-comer. Bringing in Paul George didn’t hurt as he can be a stud on both ends. They also have a nice Center in zubac. What’s not to like?
But of course tonight I voted nuggets. Why? Because these are the “Clippers.”
mobile link doesn’t work
Not saying you’re wrong but just FYI I was able to vote for the obvious choice of nuggets using my cell phone.
Kawhi seems a bit removed, like he may not approve of what he created.
His legs are certainly in good tune. He gets time off, Lebron doesn’t.
It would be surprising if they lose to Denver, but I’m on Denver’s side.
They have their own problems integrating MPorter. I suspect he is disliked personally.
If Doc was coaching the Globetrotters, the Generals would have a chance!
YES !!!!!