By Dylan Schreibman
Tonight’s Game 7 between the Nuggets and Clippers is the most important game to date in Clippers’ franchise history. This is because the Clippers are one victory away from their first appearance ever in the Western Conference Finals.
When the Clippers surged out to a 3-1 series lead against the Nuggets, the possibility of Game 7 seemed far fetched. However, with back-to-back double digit halftime leads blown from the Clippers here we stand. Here is everything you need to know before tonight:
The deciding game of this Western Conference semifinal is set for tip-off at 6 PM PT on ESPN. The winner advances to play the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Western Conference’s top seed advanced in five games with a win this past Saturday over the Houston Rockets.
Game 7: Nuggets vs. Clippers. Who you got?
— In the Front Row – The BEST Views in Sports (@InTheFrontRowLA) September 15, 2020
All pressure stands on the Los Angeles Clippers, not the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers entered the favorite and have failed to win back-to-back close out games. Also, they have been among the few favorites to win the championship all season long. Head Coach Doc Rivers is in his seventh season and enters the playoffs with the most talented team in his tenure. Furthermore, the Clippers gave up multiple first round draft picks for Paul George to create the dynamic duo of Leonard and George. This puts reputation on the line for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard is in a race with LeBron James to become the first player ever to win three NBA Finals MVPs with three different teams. According to Basketball Reference, George is currently 41-47 all time in the playoffs and has not appeared in the conference finals since 2014. An earlier than anticipated exit in the playoffs could lead to concerning questions in the offseason.
Avoiding elimination in back-to-back games, the Nuggets will enter Game 7 with a no fear attitude. This is because many fans/experts have been predicting a Clippers vs. Lakers conference finals matchup all season long. This allows the Nuggets to play with nothing to lose as many did not expect them to push the Clippers to the brink of elimination. Contrarily, the Clippers must not look ahead on the possibility of playing the Lakers in the next round. Is this the reason for the second half collapses in the past two games after a 3-1 series lead? Possibly.
For the Los Angeles Clippers to break the curse, they must be more consistent late in games. The Nuggets have outscored the Clippers 72-44 in the fourth quarter in the past two games. The relentlessness from Denver has been impressive and the Clippers closing mentality has been unfindable. Another poor performance in the fourth quarter could send the Clippers back to Los Angeles.
On the other hand, the Nuggets must continue to use Jokic effectively as they seek their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2009. According to ESPN, Jokic is currently averaging 25.8 PPG in the series. His scoring presence in the series has been problematic for the Clippers as they have found no answer. This becomes extremely important as the Clippers have three elite perimeter defenders in an attempt to limit Denver’s other prolific scorer Jamal Murray in Game 7. This is in a game where the defensive intensity will rise. If Murray is able to find his stroke, the Clippers will be in trouble.
Furthermore, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard because he is the best player on the floor. Leonard is averaging the most points per game of any player left in the postseason. However, the two X factors for the Clippers tonight are Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams. With Denver and Los Angeles both having two ideal scoring options, you have to look at the depth of both teams. Harrell and Williams have decreased their scoring numbers in the postseason. According to ESPN, Harrell is only averaging 10.3 PPG in the series compared to his 18.6 PPG in the regular season. This could be due to less minutes in the postseason but the Clippers need Harrell to add depth in scoring. Furthermore, Williams has decreased from 18.2 PPG in 13.3 PPG. These regular season averages helped make the Clippers one of the deepest teams in the NBA. Secondly, Harrell needs to be heavily involved in guarding Jokic. In order to advance, the Clippers need the depth of scoring from Harrell and Williams.
The winner will make up the fourth and final team in the conference finals. Will the Clippers break the curse? Will the Nuggets advance to the conference finals for the first time in 11 years? Only Tuesday night will bring the answer.
Follow Dylan Schreibman on Instagram @dylanschreibman, on Twitter @DMSchreibman5 and subscribe to him on YouTube!
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