DENVER — The Los Angeles Clippers faced a daunting challenge as they squared off against the Denver Nuggets in the decisive Game 7 of their playoff series. Coach Tyronn Lue, who had previously guided teams to victory in every Game 7 he coached, acknowledged the pressure his players felt as they aimed to advance past the first round of the playoffs. Despite the confidence in his roster, which included stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers were unable to overcome the formidable task ahead of them.
The Nuggets dominated the contest, securing a commanding 120-101 victory at Ball Arena. Historically, home teams in Game 7s boast a significant advantage, winning approximately 74.2% of such matchups. This trend continued as Denver capitalized on its home-court advantage, pulling away decisively in the fourth quarter to clinch the series, 4-3.
“I hate to see it end like this in a Game 7,” Lue remarked, expressing his disappointment following the loss. The Clippers were unable to recover after the Nuggets surged ahead in the game, breaking the spirit of L.A. with a stunning 35-point lead in the final quarter.
Kawhi Leonard, who tallied 22 points, reflected on the outcome, noting that he felt the scoreline did not accurately represent the competitiveness of the series. “We could have put forth a better effort,” he stated. “They came out aggressive, executed well, and made their shots.”
James Harden struggled yet again, contributing only seven points on a lackluster two-of-eight shooting performance. The guard, who didn’t address the media following the game or after previous losses in the series, faced scrutiny as his team’s offensive struggles continued.
“Our effort was not enough today,” said Ivica Zubac, who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. “They simply outplayed us in every area.”
Though MVP candidate Nikola Jokic was not at his best, finishing with 16 points, he still helped orchestrate the offense, while Aaron Gordon added 22 points and Jamal Murray scored 16. The performance of Russell Westbrook against his former team, scoring another 16 points, added to the disappointing day for the Clippers.
Lue made notable adjustments to his starting lineup, bringing in Derrick Jones Jr. to replace Kris Dunn, later swapping Jones for Nicolas Batum in a bid to spark a change. Batum noted the significance of effort in Game 7s, stating, “It’s about who wants it more. They wanted it more tonight.”
The Clippers started the game strong defensively, limiting Jokic and Murray in the opening minutes. They held the Nuggets to just 21 points in the first quarter and showcased tenacious defense that left Denver struggling to find their rhythm.
However, that defensive momentum waned in the second quarter, as the Nuggets regrouped and scored 37 points, shooting 50% from the field. The inability to maintain control marked a turning point, leading to a disappointing conclusion for L.A.
Finishing the regular season with a 50-32 record, the Clippers entered the playoffs with promise but ultimately failed to capitalize. Bogdan Bogdanovic, who contributed 12 points off the bench, reflected on the season’s abrupt end. “This team deserves a better finish,” he lamented. “We need to take a hard look at ourselves.”
As the Clippers depart from the playoffs, they are left grappling with the disappointment and pondering what could have been as they prepare for the future.