Nuggets stun Clippers to complete series comeback

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Denver Nuggets just etched their names in the NBA history book as the only team to overcome a 3-1 playoffs deficit in two consecutive series.

Having played their sixth consecutive elimination game, the Denver Nuggets were already used to the pressure. One could even say that they relished playing with their backs against the wall.

Entering the final game feeling no pressure and with a positive in-game mentality, the young and gritty Nuggets squad stunned the Los Angeles Clippers in their Game 7 clash, 104-89, in one of the most unexpected playoffs series results in the history of the league.

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic put up monstrous performances, with Murray dropping 40 points and Jokic tallying a triple-double, 16 points, 13 dimes, and 22 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard and his squad were the heavy favorites heading into the series matchup and even had a 3-1 lead but just couldn’t shake the pesky Nuggets.

It was a tightly contested game up until the end of the first half with the Clippers leading, 56-54.

It was in the third quarter when the Nuggets started to play their brand of offense with a much higher tempo. Jokic was a problem all night, causing mismatches every time he initiated a pick-and-roll.

Doc Rivers was left speechless in the fourth quarter after his team struggled to score while watching the young Nuggets squad continue to mount their lead.

The duo of Leonard and Paul George only combined for 24 points, and shot a dismal 10-for-28 from the field.

Denver will now face Lebron James and the tough Los Angeles Lakers team in the Western Conference Finals.

Meanwhile, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Bam Adebayo lifted the Miami Heat with his game-saving block against Jayson Tatum to grab the series opener, 117-114.