The first half was a dominant performance from the Los Angeles Clippers as they looked to close out the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the NBA Conference Finals but the young resilient Denver team, led by guard Jamal Murray and All-Star center Nikola Jokic dominated the second half. In the end, the Nuggets saved their season, 111-105.
The Clippers were a well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball in the first half. They knocked down threes and defended effectively and their energy was on display from their two superstars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. LA’s play was infectious and it trickled down to the rest of the team as Murray struggled with the length of the Clippers wing players. The Clippers got on a roll and led at halftime, 56-44.
Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. made some comments after Game 4 in the media that didn’t sit well with the team. He eluded to the offense being predictable and running everything through Murray and Jokic. Although his statements were valid, the team didn’t like the fact that these statements were made to the media (fortunately, Porter Jr. is 22 years old and will learn from the situation). In the second half the Nuggets used this as motivation to keep their season alive. With a third-quarter burst capitalizing off Clipper turnovers, Denver cut the lead down to six. LA stormed back following a Leonard three-pointer to get back up 17.
In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets kept climbing back into the game with total team effort. The shots that fell for the Clippers in the first half didn’t in the second. The Nuggets asserted themselves from inside and out and took an eventual eight-point lead. But Clippers fought back and cut the lead to two. With a minute remaining, Porter Jr. knocked down a clutch three-pointer to put Denver back up five. Free throws down the stretch would seal the deal and their season was salvaged, 111-105.
Game 6 will be an important game for both teams. The Nuggets are playing for their season and the Clippers want to end this series now so as not to resort to the pressure of dealing with this young team in a Game 7.
If played, Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. EST.