Denver Nuggets lost their four-game unbeaten momentum when they played LA Clippers on Thursday. Clippers easily outperformed Nuggets in their 120-97 victory over the third-seeded team. Now, Clippers aim to go 2-0 series lead when they return for Game 2 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray and company will try to level the series in the Western Conference semifinal.
Tip-off: 9.00 PM ET @ ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Clippers’ leading man, Kawhi Leonard rested the whole fourth quarter still, Nuggets were unable to make a comeback. Clippers seemed a strong side from the first quarter and had a massive 18-point lead at the halftime. Nuggets lost the possession following and were sluggish at the defence, starting from the second quarter.
Nuggets advanced to the semifinals after a seven-game thriller against Utah Jazz in the best-of-seven series. Clippers had enough rest after eliminating Dallas Mavericks, but the Nuggets had just one rest day. The players looked fatigued due to their extended series against Jazz.
Jamal Murray averaged 31.6 in the series against Jazz but failed to put an impression during the matchup against Clippers. He scored just 12 points, made six assists and three rebounds, scoring only five field goals out of 15 attempts. Clippers’ Leonard said he wanted to focus on defence, but he has the highest PPG in the playoffs, 32.3. He suggested that he has been fortunate to throw shots in the playoffs.
NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semi-Finals: Clippers V Nuggets [ Clippers leads 1-0]
Game 1: DEN 97-120 LAC
Game 2: DEN LAC | 9.00 PM ET on Saturday (6.30 AM IST Sunday)
Game 3: LAC DEN
Game 4: LAC DEN
Game 5: DEN LAC
Game 6: LAC DEN | TBD (only if necessary)
Game 7: DEN LAC | TBD (only if necessary)
NBA Live Stream: How to Stream NBA Playoffs Online? TV Broadcast Schedule
TV: ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, AT&T TV Sony SIX (India)
Live Stream: ESPN App, NBA App, Fox Sports Go, AT&T TV Now Fubo TV, YouTube TV, Sony LIV (India)
Probable Line-Ups
Nuggets: Paul Millsap, Monte Morris, Jerami Grant, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray
Clippers: K. Leonard, M. Morris Sr., I. Zubac. P. George, L. Shamet
