Denver Nuggets Secure Victory in Game 7, Thrashing Clippers for Advancement to Oklahoma City
Rewritten Article:
Denver, CO - The Denver Nuggets have witnessed a stormy season like none other in their history, with internal strife and turmoil making headlines. Their once calm superstar, Nikola Jokic, showed signs of frustration, while their coach and GM engaged in a philosophical war. Rumors of significant changes in the offseason have been prevalent among the team's secondary players.
Despite the uncertainties about the future, the Nuggets have punched their ticket to the NBA playoffs' second round for the sixth time in seven years. They've managed to put their existential questions on hold, silencing the echoes of a 20-point lead drained in Game 7 last year, and instead celebrated a resounding 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7.
Fans held their breath as the Nuggets extended their lead to 25 points early in the third quarter and feared a repeat of last year's disaster, when they squandered a 20-point lead. But the team held strong, with role players stepping up to the plate.
Aaron Gordon led the scoring with a robust 22 points, while Christian Braun shone as a sharpshooter, sinking 21 points on the Clippers' indifferent defense. The rookie sniper also eliminated James Harden from the series with a stifling 7 points on 2 for 8 shooting, adding 5 boards, 4 assists, and zero turnovers to his tally. Peyton Watson provided crucial stops and shots, while Russell Westbrook fired a middle finger at his former team with a 16-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist, and 5-steal performance.
Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for a comparatively inefficient 32 points, but their coach David Adelman felt compelled to throw them back into the game when the Clippers' backup unit mounted a comeback.
"Last year, I thought we ran out of gas after giving it our all in the first half," Adelman said before the game. "I have to help them manage that as best as I can, understand how long this game is."
Facing a formidable opponent in Ty Lue, who was celebrating his 48th birthday, Adelman demonstrated that he could hold his own against the esteemed coach. Lue's Game 7 record stood at 4-0, but the Nuggets proved to be formidable adversaries.
Lue made a few tactical adjustments, substituting Nicolas Batum for Kris Dunn in the second half of Game 6, and throwing another curveball by starting neither Derrick Jones Jr. nor Dunn in Game 7. Instead, he opted for Jones Jr. to begin the game. Denver dared Jones Jr. to shoot, but Lue eventually introduced Dunn to the game, who missed all three shots in the first half, including a layup. That was it for Dunn until the closing minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets showcased the importance of having a deep and versatile roster, with role players stealing the spotlight. Westbrook proved that he is indeed a threat from beyond the arc, finishing the series with a respectable 41.9% from the three-point line, much to Lue's surprise. Despite Lue's persistent faith in Westbrook's jumper, it was the ex-Clipper who had the last laugh.
Adelman's decision to field a zone defense to counter Dunn's entry proved to be shrewd, as Lue's tactic of relying on Dunn to stretch the defense from the perimeter or the middle of the zone failed to bear fruit.
The Nuggets go on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, and their deep bench and balanced attack will be crucial to their success. Contributions from Role Players: Aaron Gordon's physicality and energy provided crucial momentum shifts for the Nuggets, and his dunks helped raise the team's spirits during crucial moments. Jeff Green, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji also proved to be vital contributors, providing defensive tenacity and crucial rebounds throughout the series. Star Performances: Nikola Jokić's ability to involve teammates was instrumental in the Nuggets' game plan, while Jamal Murray's playmaking and scoring abilities stretched defenses and opened up opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Their contributions, combined with the team's strong defensive performance, allowed Denver to control the tempo of Game 7 and secure a commanding victory. The Clippers, on the other hand, struggled with consistency across their lineup. James Harden's ineffective performance in Game 7, particularly on the offensive end, was notable and significantly impacted the Clippers' chances of advancing to the next round. The Nuggets, with their balanced approach and strong team effort, were able to build a substantial lead and ultimately secure their series win.
The Denver Nuggets, despite their internal struggles, managed to qualify for the NBA's second round of the playoffs, showcasing a balanced approach that saw key contributions from role players like Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jeff Green, and Zeke Nnaji. In contrast, the Los Angeles Clippers struggled with consistency across their lineup, and James Harden's ineffective performance in Game 7 significantly impacted their chances of advancing.
Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray may have had a comparatively inefficient game, but their ability to involve teammates and stretch defenses was instrumental in Denver's gameplan, ultimately securing a commanding victory and setting their sights on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.
