The Denver Nuggets are still alive. After trailing by as lots of as 16 points late in the first half, the Nuggets fought back and used a dominant 4th quarter to take down the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-105 in Game 5 of their second-round series. Video game 6 is set for Sunday afternoon..
Nikola Jokic ended up with 22 points, 14 rebounds and six helps in another outstanding performance, while Jamal Murray included 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 helps in one of his best video games all series. But while those two led the way as per normal, and helped close the show, the Nuggets owe Paul Millsap a substantial thank you. The veteran forward stepped up in a significant method the 3rd quarter, scoring 14 of his 17 points in the frame to give the Nuggets some life and get them back in the video game..
By the time they really woke up and locked back in on the protective end, the Nuggets had the lead, and the Clippers couldnt get it back. Theyll have to wait until Game 6 to try and clinch their very first conference finals look in franchise history.
Here are 3 essential takeaways from the game:.
1. Nuggets keep combating.
The Nuggets decreased 3-1 in the preliminary to the Jazz, but never offered up, and pulled off an impressive resurgence in that series to keep their season alive. Heading into Game 5 against the Clippers, they found themselves in the exact same position, albeit against a much better team..
It didnt look like there would be any sort of significant resurgence this time, however, as the Clippers jumped out to an early lead, which they pushed up to 16 points late in the second half. L.A. was in complete control on both ends of the floor, and it simply didnt seem like there was any way back for Denver.
Honestly, at that point, it would have been reasonable if the Nuggets loaded things in. Charles Barkley on the halftime reveal even ensured that the Clippers would win by 20. Just, thats not what happened. The Nuggets simply kept hanging around, getting a bucket here, and pail there to make certain it didnt leave hand, and then went on a run late in the third to get it into single digits..
The Nuggets kept up that energy early in the fourth, and with seven minutes left they took the lead on a rainbow three by Jokic. They never ever tracked once again, outscoring the Clippers 38-25 in the fourth quarter. Denver is worthy of a lot of credit for the spirit they showed in this video game, not only to come back and take the lead, but to hold off the Clippers down the stretch..
2. Millsap steps up.
No one is expecting Paul Millsap to install huge numbers anymore, however even by his present standards, he has actually not looked like himself in the bubble. Through 12 games in the playoffs, hes installing just 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per video game, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field..
His inability to be a reputable member of the supporting cast has actually been one of the Nuggets significant problems this postseason. But on Friday night, there were no such problems. Millsap completed with 17 points and six rebounds in without a doubt his finest game of the playoffs, and assisted key the Nuggets turn-around beginning in the third quarter.
With the Nuggets tracking by 12 in the middle of the 3rd, Millsap scored 8 straight for Denver, to help cut the deficit to 6 points. Then, after the Clippers reacted and pressed the lead back up to 12, Millsap responded with a six-point run. He completed with 14 of his 17 points in the 3rd, and simply wouldnt let the Nuggets break down..
Of course, there was Michael Porter Jr.s dagger with simply over a minute to play– a fitting ending after his postgame comments the other night..
After trailing by as numerous as 16 points late in the very first half, the Nuggets battled back and used a dominant fourth quarter to take down the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-105 in Game 5 of their second-round series. By the time they really woke up and locked back in on the defensive end, the Nuggets had the lead, and the Clippers could not get it back. Millsap completed with 17 points and six rebounds in by far his finest game of the playoffs, and helped key the Nuggets turnaround beginning in the third quarter.
With the Nuggets tracking by 12 in the middle of the third, Millsap scored 8 straight for Denver, to assist cut the deficit to six points. Through the first three quarters, the Clippers were 13 of 29, while the Nuggets were 5 of 18.
Jamal Murray said after the video game that Millsap “provided us life,” whichs a respectable way to sum things up. Millsap hardly even played in the fourth quarter, however he put Denvers stars in a position to close the show..
3. Nuggets fourth-quarter 3-point shooting.
Because they were dominating from the 3-point line, one of the primary reasons the Clippers were able to construct such a big lead in this game is. Through the very first three quarters, the Clippers were 13 of 29, while the Nuggets were 5 of 18. There were other elements, certainly, but its hard to win when youre being outscored by 24 points from the 3-point line..
In the 4th quarter, nevertheless, that all turned. Denver warmed up in a significant method, knocking down 7 of their 9 attempts, while the Clippers could not buy an outside shot, shooting 3 of 13.
One of the main ways the Nuggets were able to start, is through their pick-and-roll. On 2 early ownerships in the 4th, Jamal Murray– who finished with four 3s in the frame– took benefit of Montrezl Harrell dropping, and hit pull-up triples. Then later on in the quarter, when the Clippers committed both protectors to Murray, he kicked it out to a wide-open Jokic..
