On Sep. 9, 2020, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 96-85 to construct a 3-1 lead over the upstart No. 3 seed of their second-round playoff collection. Ever since that second, the Nuggets have owned the Clippers to a laughable diploma. They’ve performed 14 video games in that span. The Nuggets have received 12 of them. On Sunday, Denver picked up its sixth straight victory over the Clippers, however this was maybe essentially the most heartbreaking one but for his or her wayward rivals.
Denver led by as many as 18 factors within the first half and managed the sport a lot of the method. The Clippers trimmed that lead all through the second half, although, and by the fourth quarter, the sport had devolved right into a duel between Kawhi Leonard, who scored 33 factors on 12-of-19 taking pictures, and Nikola Jokic, who had a 40-point triple-double. Those two mixed for 12 straight factors between the two:59 and 1:30 marks of the fourth quarter to provide a 117-117 rating. Three Clippers free throws and one Michael Porter Jr. 3-pointer maintained that tie, giving the Nuggets one remaining possession to win the sport.
After a stellar defensive possession by the Clippers, Bruce Brown hoisted an unpleasant 3-pointer and missed. Paul George collected the rebound with 2.2 seconds remaining and threw up a full-court prayer. It linked, however got here after the ultimate buzzer, sending the sport to time beyond regulation reasonably than handing the Clippers a victory.
The shot was the second near-miss on the remaining buzzer of the weekend. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid hit an identical look that might’ve tied Saturday’s battle in opposition to the Boston Celtics, however sadly additionally got here after the buzzer. George’s crew at the least had an opportunity to win in time beyond regulation, whereas the Nuggets made brief work of the Clippers on Sunday, successful the OT interval 14-4.
The Clippers have now performed two video games since signing Russell Westbrook off of the buyout market. Both have been time beyond regulation losses, and within the two video games mixed, the Clippers have allowed 310 whole factors. Unlike Friday’s loss to the Kings, Westbrook didn’t play within the fourth quarter or time beyond regulation of Sunday’s loss. He completed the sport with 17 factors on 6-of-10 taking pictures.
If the Clippers thought Westbrook can be their lacking piece in opposition to the Nuggets, although, it appears they have been mistaken. Ty Lue’s crew has tried nearly all the pieces to thwart the two-time MVP and his No. 1-seeded Nuggets, however have to date give you nothing. They’ll have to determine one thing out in the event that they plan to flee the Western Conference within the postseason, but when tonight was any indication, they can not even depend on miracle pictures to save lots of them in opposition to Denver.
