NBA Saturday Night
Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers
Game 2
As exciting as Denver's first-round victory over Utah was, the fact that it took them seven games just to escape the initial stage of the postseason should have been an indication that they would struggle to get much further. That played out in Game 1 of their second-round series on Thursday. The Nuggets got absolutely blasted by the Clippers, 120-97.
Kawhi Leonard made it look easy on his way to 29 points. He could've reached the 40s or 50s, but the Clippers saw no great need to strain their superstar in such a mismatch. Denver may be able to put up a fight against Los Angeles later in the series, but the Nuggets are clearly still reeling from their exhausting Game 7 win over the Jazz. The Clippers, who have played once in the past eight days, were the fresher and more athletic team. It showed in Game 1. Now the Nuggets will need to come up with a response in time for Saturday's Game 2.
Kawhi Leonard made it look easy on his way to 29 points. He could've reached the 40s or 50s, but the Clippers saw no great need to strain their superstar in such a mismatch. Denver may be able to put up a fight against Los Angeles later in the series, but the Nuggets are clearly still reeling from their exhausting Game 7 win over the Jazz. The Clippers, who have played once in the past eight days, were the fresher and more athletic team. It showed in Game 1. Now the Nuggets will need to come up with a response in time for Saturday's Game 2.