Nikola Jokic’s performance in the game stood out with his first triple-double of these playoffs, scoring 26 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and making 10 assists. This marked his 19th career playoff triple-double. However, despite Jokic’s strong individual performance, the Denver Nuggets lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 105-102 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
The Nuggets’ Struggles in the Game
While Jokic had an impressive game, the Nuggets faced difficulties. He had seven turnovers and missed four free throws. These mistakes contributed to the loss, as the series is now tied 1-1, with Game 3 set to take place in Los Angeles.
Nikola Jokic’s Positive Attitude
After the game, Jokic stayed positive, focusing on the bright side. He said, “We could be down 2-0 and they could be up 2-0. If you’re a basketball fan, this is probably the best basketball you can watch.” Despite the loss, Jokic remained optimistic about the team’s chances.
Kawhi Leonard’s Stellar Performance
Kawhi Leonard’s Impact
Kawhi Leonard was a standout player for the Clippers. He scored 39 points, hitting 15 of 19 shots from the field and making all five of his free throws. Jokic, looking for ways to stop Leonard, suggested, “Maybe we should just make him feel more crowded?” Leonard’s performance showed his consistency and ability to hit difficult shots.
Clippers’ Defense on Jokic
Jokic faced heavy defense throughout the game. The Clippers, including 7-foot center Ivica Zubac, swarmed Jokic, making his shots more difficult. Despite Jokic’s efforts, he finished the game shooting 8 of 16 from the field.
James Harden’s Thoughts on Jokic
James Harden, who contributed 18 points for the Clippers, praised Jokic’s skills, calling him “very, very skilled” for his passing and scoring ability. Harden also mentioned that the Clippers had done a good job in the last two games but needed to be even better moving forward.
Turnovers and Mistakes Cost the Nuggets
Key Mistakes in the Game
The game was a stark contrast to Game 1, when the Clippers had 20 turnovers and the Nuggets had 11. In this game, the Nuggets had 20 turnovers while the Los Angeles Clippers only committed 11. The Nuggets struggled with mistakes, especially in the fourth quarter, when they had five turnovers, including three by Jokic.
The Fourth-Quarter Struggles
The fourth quarter was filled with lead changes and ties. However, every time the Nuggets tried to make a run, mistakes followed. Interim coach David Adelman explained that mistakes prevented the team from maintaining momentum.
Crucial Mistakes in the Final Minutes
The game came down to critical moments in the final minutes. With 2:43 left, Aaron Gordon missed a wide-open dunk. Then, Michael Porter Jr. turned the ball over, leading to Norman Powell’s go-ahead 3-pointer for the Clippers. Jokic also made a costly turnover, passing the ball straight to Kawhi Leonard.
Missed Opportunities and Final Moments
The Final Chances for the Nuggets
In the closing seconds of the game, the Nuggets had two opportunities to tie the game with 3-point shots. Both Christian Braun and Jokic missed their attempts, sealing the loss for Denver.
Jokic’s Calm Reaction
Jokic remained calm despite the missed shots, saying, “Sometimes you miss, sometimes you make.” He was already looking ahead to the next game, focusing on the opportunity to play in big moments.
Looking Forward
Jokic ended the night on a positive note, reflecting on the importance of the game: “It’s a really pleasure to play in really important moments, important games. This is why you play. This is why we play.” The Nuggets are now focused on Game 3, hoping to bounce back and take the series lead.
