The West has promised to make this 24/25 NBA theirs. After delivering a tight regular season, the teams have taken it up to make the playoffs spicy. Context? Western giants clashed again- and they delivered a classic, again. The Clippers-Nuggets first-round playoff series is dead set on a 1-1 tie going into game 3. The first 2 games have brought in the unpredictability factor- who will come out victorious? We can’t say for sure. The Nuggets thought they would capitalize, but in game 2, we saw the Clippers edge out a well-earned 105-102 win at the Ball Arena. But the ball’s very much in their court now. And if they enter the Intuit Dome with the same attitude, James Harden thinks they might be able to guard Nikola Jokic for a second game running.
Let’s say guard Jokic. He still managed a 26/12/10 triple-double. But that’s been his story of the season so far, hasn’t it? The Clippers knew from the get-go, as long as they kept him at bay, LA’s offense was enough to get them over the line. And that’s exactly what happened when Kawhi Leonard dropped in a vintage performance. So when asked about their secrets after the game, Harden spoke about the importance of reading the game, combined with efficient teamwork, being key.
“Tough cover, like extremely tough cover. You know, he’s very, very skilled. know, his passing ability, his scoring ability… I think Zu did an unbelievable job… He steps back and shoots threes and post up and his passing ability. So just trying to make it difficult on him, man. We swarm him. We just try to be smart because obviously if you just run at him, he’s gonna pick you apart. So self cover,” said the Beard.
James Harden, LA Clippers guard (Image Credit: Imagn)
Speaking of Ivica Zubac, man, is he really putting his name out there for the Most Improved Player award? Another 16/12/4 performance! Not just this, he was smooth in the regular season too, taking his season averages to 16.8/12.6/2.7 per game, which is a huge improvement on his 11.7/9.2/1.4 averages from last season. Again, Kawhi and Harden will get the spotlight more often than not, but credit where credit’s due- they wouldn’t be this team without the Croat in the squad.
Regardless of the result, the points reset for game 3. The Nuggets are on Lob City’s turf now. And they feel this advantage is a certain 2-1 in the bank. But even James Harden knows anyone would be a fool to count the Joker out due to one so-called “off” game. “I think the last two games we did a pretty solid job even though he had a triple-double. He’s gonna get his just ’cause he’s that good. But I think we did a really good job on him last two games. We gotta be even better for the next few games in order for us to be successful.”
And now onto Kawhi. Anyone get flashbacks to the 2019 playoff-Klaw in the Ball Arena last night? He outscored everyone on the court last night, racking up 39 points on the board. But the NBA has seen this movie before. All it takes is one injury to stop him in his tracks. So, what’s his situation going into game 3?
Kawhi Leonard speaks on former playoff injury woes
You can only imagine what would’ve been going on in the mind of Kawhi Leonard as the playoffs rolled around. Harden’s partner in crime hasn’t even been around to boss the court most of their past few post-season bouts. And when spoken a déjà vu possibility this time round, he affirmed his belief to stay fit and help the gang all the way in the Clippers-Nuggets game 2 post-game sound.
“I’m not sure. I’m just happy that I’m able to move and I’m coming out the game feeling well and that’s what I’m taking my pride on, is just being healthy. I sat and watched these playoff games and series the past two years so, me able to be front line out there… It just feels good for me no matter which way the game goes. And that’s why I’m taking pride in. I just want to be out there and play and be front line with my team,” said the Klaw.
In the 80 minutes he’s played in the series so far, Leonard has managed a ridiculous 61 points- the most of any other player in both teams. But the talent was already well known. It’s the injuries that have been a thorn in his side all his career long. Playing just in and around 50 games per season for 15 years doesn’t speak well for his reliability. But he’s here now, ready to help the Clippers deep-fry the Nuggets into 7th heaven.
Image Credits: Imagn
Any bets on the third game? It’d be wise not to make any- unless you’re a world-renowned fortune teller. The first game saw the Clippers succumb to altitude sickness. But in the second, they showed their adaptability and chemistry against a sloppy Nuggets. Buckle up, guys, it’s gonna be a fun ride.
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