Nuggets Mount Another Comeback, Force Game 7
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-98, at Orlando in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Friday. The series is now tied 3-3.
The Nuggets repeated the same story of Game 5, meaning both teams showed the same traits they've already evidenced during the course of the playoffs -- the Nuggets were at their best when having their backs against the wall, while the Clippers were unable to close things out when they needed it the most. Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals was no different. Los Angeles jumped out to a 34-26 following the first quarter and led by as much as 19 points during the first few minutes of the third quarter, but the Nuggets turned things around in the second half. Denver outscored the Clippers 30-16 in the third quarter and 34-19 in the fourth quarter, posting scoring runs in both periods to pull away for good. Denver ended winning by 13 points and, as a result, they have forced a decisive Game 7 against the Clippers on Tuesday night.
Nikola Jokic was Denver's best player once again and stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in 40 minutes. Jamal Murray notched 21 points with five rebounds and five assists, while Gary Harris contributed 16 points, four assists, four steals and two rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. once again proved to be a threat off the bench, scoring 13 points with seven boards, while Monte Morris scored 10 points.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were the best players for the Clippers, but they lacked support from the rest of the squad. George notched 33 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists, while Leonard delivered 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Lou Williams had 14 points off the bench, but the rest of the team didn't step it up when things got tough.
The Nuggets repeated the same story of Game 5, meaning both teams showed the same traits they've already evidenced during the course of the playoffs -- the Nuggets were at their best when having their backs against the wall, while the Clippers were unable to close things out when they needed it the most. Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals was no different. Los Angeles jumped out to a 34-26 following the first quarter and led by as much as 19 points during the first few minutes of the third quarter, but the Nuggets turned things around in the second half. Denver outscored the Clippers 30-16 in the third quarter and 34-19 in the fourth quarter, posting scoring runs in both periods to pull away for good. Denver ended winning by 13 points and, as a result, they have forced a decisive Game 7 against the Clippers on Tuesday night.
Nikola Jokic was Denver's best player once again and stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in 40 minutes. Jamal Murray notched 21 points with five rebounds and five assists, while Gary Harris contributed 16 points, four assists, four steals and two rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. once again proved to be a threat off the bench, scoring 13 points with seven boards, while Monte Morris scored 10 points.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were the best players for the Clippers, but they lacked support from the rest of the squad. George notched 33 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists, while Leonard delivered 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Lou Williams had 14 points off the bench, but the rest of the team didn't step it up when things got tough.