Clippers’ Stars Take Over Game Six, Down Nuggets to Force Deciding Game Seven

The Lakers’ season might be over, but thanks to the Clippers, Los Angeles isn’t done with basketball just yet.

The often-overlooked franchise came into a tough game six against the Nuggets with their backs against the wall. They left with their heads held high.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

If anyone paid attention to the first five games of the series, they would have seen a back-and-forth affair that went down to the wire several times. They also would have noticed two teams with a lot of talent capable of winning on any given night.

That was the case in game five, when Denver came out and got the upper hand in the series, and it was also the case in game six when the script flipped yet again.

While a seasoned Denver team had the opportunity to close things out, the Clippers star-studded roster had other ideas.

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Spreading the Wealth

In game five, Jamal Murray completely took over in a way the Clippers couldn’t match.

He was an unstoppable force backed up by solid team play.

Los Angeles also has a few superstars who can ascend to the next level, but they’re at their best when everyone contributes.

That was certainly the case in game six

Rather than rely on one player to step up, the team fell back on the big three that carried them through the regular season to great results.

• James Harden led the way with 28 points, eight assists, and six rebounds

It was a complete game all the way around for the future hall of famer, and one of his most impressive performances of the year.

Kawhi Leonard followed him with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while stand out Norman Powell ended with 24/3/1.

Those three attacked Denver’s defense all game, finding different ways to get to their spots and putting the ball in the basket. Even though they lost the first and fourth quarter, the second and third were so big for the Clippers that Denver never got too close.

LA won 111-105

The victory keeps Los Angles alive for at least one more contest. The two teams will meet for a final showdown in Denver that, if the other games are any indication, is truly up for grabs.

The Missing Piece

Clippers fans have a lot to like about game six. Harden returned to form, Leonard once again proved that he’s one of the best players in the league, and the offense worked well against a tough team.

• Even so, the shining light was Norman Powell.

Powell has had a resurgence this season, and is one of the main reasons the Clippers are in the postseason.

Not only is he having a career year, he held down the fort during Leonard’s early absence

He’s proven to be a great third option who can play solid defense and take over games on the offensive side of the ball.

That combination makes him a perfect compliment to Leonard and Harden. Having one more pure scorer creates just enough problems where teams need to take their attention off the other stars.

That’s what happened in game six, and it’s why the Clippers are still alive

The only flip side of the coin is that Ivica Zubac had a relatively quiet night. The big man has done a great job in the series.

While his presence is always felt inside, and no doubt does a good job of matching up with Nikola Jokic, he had a relatively quiet night.

Some scoring down low could come in handy during game seven, especially if the Nuggets switch up their defense to better prepare for the guards. Jokic will likely be ready to go.

The Clippers will need to push back if they want to come out with a win.

The Final Buzzer

Nothing is quite as exciting as a game seven. That goes double for evenly-matched teams like the Clippers and Nuggets.

The two squads have great stars propped up by excellent third options, as well as a strong supporting cast.

That combination means either team could easily advance to the second round

No matter who comes out on top, the victory will likely come down to the superstars. Jokic and Murray are going to come out strong, as will Leonard and Harden.

Both pairs are going to lead the way for their team, but each team will need someone to step up and play above their usual level.

That could mean a huge forty point game from one of the above stars, or an uncharacteristic performance from someone like Aaron Gordon or Zubac.

The Nuggets are one of the toughest outs in the NBA. The Clippers know that

It doesn’t make the next contest any easier, but it does mean they understand the way to win. It isn’t about flashy plays or coming out hot, it’s about finding the right shots, being physical, and doing what they did in game six.