The Denver Nuggets lost 105-102 to the Los Angeles Clippers in another back and forth affair. The Nuggets had an opportunity to win it late. The Clippers were better, out-executing the Nuggets down the stretch in the crucial moments.

Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but he committed seven turnovers and missed four free throws in a game the Nuggets lost by three. There were other important moments, good and bad, that could have turned the tide; however, this was a role reversal from Game 1 that saw Kawhi Leonard play well but commit seven turnovers in the process. This time, Kawhi was unbelievable and it was Jokic, among others, that made some crucial mistakes.

Here’s the Notes from Game 2:

First Quarter:

  • Jamal Murray dialed in on shots off the dribble, creating space away from Kris Dunn and others chasing him
  • Kawhi Leonard going Terminator mode hunting switches against Murray and Christian Braun, 5/5 for 12 points in 1Q
  • Nikola Jokic aggressive from three early. Not nearly as many paint touches
  • Michael Porter Jr. found some rhythm and impact by driving to the rim, saw three shots go in because he was right at the basket.
  • Jalen Pickett transition three puts Nuggets up nine and forces a Los Angeles timeout

  • Tough Russell Westbrook sequence to end the quarter. Nuggets got away with it after giving up an open corner three.

Nuggets lead 31-25 after first quarter.

Second Quarter:

  • Nuggets bench starts slow. First DeAndre Jordan minutes but Jordan struggled initially to battle Zubac
  • Porter hit a three, then Murray in transition over Bogdan Bogdanovic
  • Clippers collapsing on Jokic any time he thinks about stepping foot in the paint. Zero FTAs for Jokic through half
  • Very few fouls being called either way, but the ones called getting a strong negative reaction from Ball Arena
  • 9 turnovers for the Nuggets through halftime, 7 turnovers for the Clippers
  • Kawhi continues to cook, hits halftime buzzer beater to get 21 points on 9/10 FG

Nuggets trail 55-52 at halftime.

Third Quarter:

  • Aaron Gordon aggressive to start the quarter, catches a lob from Jokic and iso bully balls Norman Powell
  • Both teams trading body blows in the mid-range until Harden hits a three after both Braun and MPJ fly by him on a scramble
  • Getting feisty! Murray and Powell go at it and technicals assessed to both sides
  • After the altercation, this just became a foul fest. Back and forth. Both teams angry about how quickly the whistle changed
  • Murray a bit amped, making some mistakes following the adrenaline rush. Needs to rein it in
  • Nicolas Batum is an incredible role player. Just great at absolutely everything a playoff role player needs to be great at
  • Five points for Jokic to close the quarter to keep Denver attached

Nuggets trail 78-76 after third quarter.

Fourth Quarter:

  • Jokic starts the quarter after playing the whole third quarter, immediately hits a three
  • Kawhi hits more big shots. He has 32 points on 12/13 FG. Insane.
  • Nuggets fighting to stay attached, high level of competition in this game
  • Two massive three-pointers from Russell Westbrook in the left corner
  • Jokic turnover, Harden turns it over right back, huge MPJ three to tie the game
  • Jokic missed free throws in the clutch
  • Norman Powell found some baskets off of cuts and slashing weak side
  • Nuggets defense good overall, but Kawhi was just too good
  • Aaron Gordon missed a wide open dunk?
  • Porter hurt his left shoulder diving for a loose ball that ended up as a back-breaking Powell three
  • Nuggets had opportunity to tie game down three points with 15 seconds to go. No timeout, Braun takes uncomfortable three, Jokic grabs offensive rebound, still gets out beyond the three but bricks a wild shot. Nuggets lose

Nuggets lose 105-102 to Clippers.

Short Takeaway

This game was almost a form of karma. The universe wanted this series to be a long and competitive one. Denver won a close Game 1. Los Angeles won a close Game 2.

Now, the series goes back to LA, and the Nuggets know how difficult that will be. It will be the first playoff game for the Intuit Dome, the first season the Clippers are not a part of the Los Angeles Lakers arena situation. It’s going to be loud, and the Nuggets are going to be in for another major battle.

There are plenty of things to correct. It was good to see Michael Porter Jr. get going, although his left shoulder injury is a major storyline heading into the rest of the series. Russell Westbrook made big plays. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon did not. Jamal Murray was sick. Nikola Jokic wasn’t his normal perfect self offensively.

Denver will have to tighten things up in Game 3 if they want to keep pace with a Clippers team that just stole back all of the momentum before heading home.

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