The playoffs’ first Game 7 is finally on the horizon. In a pulsating Game 6, the Los Angeles Clippers managed to even the series with their diverse offense. They turned the game around in the second half, creating a 15-point advantage that would help them survive against the Nuggets’ fourth-quarter fury. But most importantly, the Clippers managed to suppress Nikola Jokic, derailing the highly rated Denver offense.

But could the Joker have done more? The three-time MVP scored 28 points, but only had eight in the second half. A lot of it was due to the suffocating defense Clippers’ Ivica Zubac deployed on him. But interim head coach David Adelman also blamed his selflessness for his condensed second half.

Nikola Jokic only shot the ball nine times in the last two quarters. He did have opportunities, but instead chose to make plays for his teammates in hopes of sparking a fightback. While Adelman does admire that quality, he wants to see a much more assertive version of him during the ultimate game of the series.

“We will probably have a better mix on Saturday. You know, let that thing fly a little, especially when Zubac is down the floor. You know Nikola, everything he does, he is trying to be the most unselfish player he can be. Saturday, maybe we need a little more selfishness from the three-point line,” he said about the Nuggets’ revolutionary center.

Nikola Jokic only attempted four threes from beyond the arc. For a traditional center, that might be a high mark. However, the Joker was among the most efficient shooters during the regular season, converting a career-high 41.7% from beyond the arc. That’s a better mark than the league leader Anthony Edwards and even Stephen Curry.

Moreover, whenever Jokic is aggressive, generally good things happen for the Nuggets. Maybe attempting to get his teammates into rhythm was the correct tactic until now. But with the season on the line, there’s not going to be another chance. And with how Adelman is willing to galvanize his troops, another groundbreaking Nikola Jokic performance could be on the cards.

The Nuggets are ready for war come Game 7

The bout between the Clippers and the Nuggets had the NBA fan base pumped. Both teams ended the regular season with identical records and stood even in their head-to-head battles. For most, this was a series to not miss out on. And even though the Nuggets held a 3-2 advantage before tonight, Adelman wasn’t surprised to see the series go to a climax Game 7.

“I mean this is what I expected to be honest. This felt like a seven game series. Obviously we wanted to close it out today. It’s an evenly matched series you know there’s many good players out there,” he said about the contest.

It’s one of the few first-round series that doesn’t just feel like a greater matchup, but one that should have come deeper into the postseason. But while David Adelman did expect a close series, what he didn’t expect is the officiating to be against his star players. Seeing how physical Jokic’s game is, him attempting just two free throws didn’t sit well with him.

He not only spotted something the Clippers are doing to manipulate the referees, but Adelman promises to hit back with equal vigor in Game 7.

“Nikola gets fouled a lot. I’m not sure what was happening tonight but for him to shoot 2 free throws with the contact that was going on out there was absolutely crazy. They put smalls on him. Those smalls were allowed to do whatever they want. So I’m really excited for Saturday that we’re going to be able to do the same thing with their best players because if thats the physicality we are allowed to play with, we will react to it and we will go there on Game 7,” he warned the Clippers.

On Saturday, it’s going to be all to play for in Denver. Judging from Adelman’s frustrations, the Nuggets defense won’t hesisate to retaliate with physicality while Nikola Jokic looks to set the tone. Game 7’s are nights no NBA fanatic would want to miss. For a series that is separated by nothing but momentum, it promises to be a glittering night.

Which team do you think will move on to the second round? Let us know your views in the comments below.