Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue entered Game 7 with a perfect 4-0 record in elimination games, a stat that inspired confidence in his players. However, Lue was quick to deflect credit, emphasizing that his success was due to the talent of his players, particularly Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Despite Lue’s confidence and the talent on the roster, the Clippers were up against the odds, facing the Denver Nuggets in a crucial Game 7 on the road. Unfortunately, the Nuggets dominated the game, securing a commanding 120-101 victory to win the series 4-3.
Nuggets Dominate Second Half as Clippers Fall Short of Championship Expectations Again
The Nuggets’ win in Game 7 was never in serious doubt as they delivered a dominant performance, particularly in the second half. The home-court advantage was evident, with the Nuggets capitalizing on their crowd’s energy. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Nuggets had built a massive 35-point lead, leaving the Clippers demoralized.
Coach Lue expressed his disappointment with how the game unfolded, especially given the expectations surrounding the team. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for Lue and the Clippers, who had hoped to contend for a championship.
Clippers Collapse in Game 7 as Nuggets Surge, Ending Tyronn Lue’s Perfect Elimination RecordKawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ star, played a solid game, scoring 22 points, but his efforts were not enough to turn the tide. Leonard acknowledged that the team could have played harder, particularly as the Nuggets were not significantly superior on paper. He expressed frustration with the 30-point blowout, which felt unjust considering how competitive the series had been up until then.
James Harden, however, was once again a disappointment. His seven points on poor shooting, along with just 13 assists, further illustrated his struggles throughout the series. Harden’s silence after the game, much like after previous losses in the series, underscored his lack of impact when it mattered most.
Strong Start Fades as Clippers’ Defense Crumbles in Critical Game Seven Showdown
The Clippers initially showed strong defensive effort, particularly in the first quarter, where they limited Nuggets star Nikola Jokic to just two points and kept Jamal Murray in check. However, their defense faltered as the game progressed. In the second quarter, the Nuggets exploded for 37 points, shooting 50% from the field and from three-point range.
Lue tried to shake things up by altering his lineup, inserting Derrick Jones Jr. as a starter and later bringing in Nicolas Batum, but these changes did little to stem the tide. Despite these adjustments, the Clippers were overwhelmed by the Nuggets’ intensity and execution.
The Clippers’ regular-season record of 50-32 mirrored that of the Nuggets, and both teams had earned similar seeding in the Western Conference. However, the playoffs proved to be a different story. Despite the high hopes and strong individual performances throughout the season, the Clippers’ lack of cohesion in critical moments cost them dearly.
Bogdan Bogdanovic summed up the team’s feelings post-game, saying the group deserved a better finish but would have to reflect on their performance. As the Clippers head into the offseason, they face a harsh reality: They need to reassess and rebuild if they hope to contend again next year.
