USA Today via Reuters
Sep 13, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 13, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets have pushed the series to seven games! They have survived yet another elimination game in the playoffs. Going down 3-1 could be extremely demoralizing for any team in the league. However, it seems the Nuggets perform at their best when their backs are against the walls.
Prior to facing the LA Clippers, the Nuggets overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Utah Jazz. Now, they are on the brink of repeating their round 1 heroics. In game 6, Denver defeated the Clippers by a score of 111-98. Nikola Jokic had another monster game where he scored 34 points and grabbed 14 boards.
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Along with Jokic, Jamal Murray had a 21 point outing to overcome the Clippers. Following this stunning victory, the Nuggets have entered the NBA history books. They became the first team in NBA history to force multiple Game 7s after trailing 3-1 in a single postseason run.
The Nuggets are the first team in NBA history to force multiple Game 7s after being down 3-1 in a single playoff run. pic.twitter.com/0Bx9nAo4SV
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 13, 2020
Before the playoffs, there was hardly anyone who thought this young Nuggets team would perform so well. Don’t forget, they are facing one of the best defensive lineups in the league.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Patrick Beverley, and Montrezl Harrell are each considered elite defenders at their positions. However, they have been unable to contain the Nuggets in the past few games.
Furthermore, following the Game 4 defeat, the Nuggets have amped up their defense. Head coach Mike Malone has done a great job in maintaining his team’s morale against all odds.
Denver Nuggets: Dark Horses of the Western Conference?
USA Today via Reuters
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard PJ Dozier (35) celebrate after beating the LA Clippers in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Despite being the #3 seed in the conference, the Nuggets were expected to make an early exit in the playoffs. The major reason was due to a lack of playoff experience for this young roster. However, the Nuggets have proved their critics wrong at each and every step of the way.
In this historic playoff run, they are breaking records at each turn. The way this team is playing, they could very well be the ones who will face the Lakers in the WCF.
The Nuggets force a Game 7… again!
– 1st team in NBA history to play a Game 7 in 4 straight series.
– 1st team since play-by-play began (1997) with three 15-point comebacks facing elimination in a postseason.
– 5th team to win 5 elimination games in a single postseason. pic.twitter.com/AGhwaZoJZh— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2020
In the last two games, the Nuggets have nullified LA’s star power. Even in Game 6, the Klaw and PG13 had an amazing all-around game. But they were beaten by a better brand of basketball by the Nuggets.
Which team will pack their bags and head home? We’ll find out in the series decider Game 7.
