The Los Angeles Clippers versus Denver Nuggets series is shaping up to be one for the ages. With the Clipppers now up 2-1, both teams will be looking for any margins where they can gain an edge over the other. As the next game will be also played in Los Angeles, the Clippers will look to gain momentum over the Nuggets.
The Clippers have the perfect opportunity to take control of the series as it heads to Los Angeles. They had the fourth-best home-court record in the NBA this regular season, going an impressive 30-11. Additionally, they beat the Nuggets 126-122 at the Intuit Dome back in December, not to mention yesterday’s Game 3 win. If the Clippers go up three games to one, they will be in perfect standing to close out the series.
Norman Powell significantly underperformed in the first two games of the series. He scored 12 points in Game One and 13 points in Game Two, but he averaged 21.8 points per game (ppg) in the regular season. This could bode very well for the Clippers in the future. They will likely see an increase in offensive production from Norman Powell, which, in addition to their current offense, will make them even more dangerous.
Powell has been visibly frustrated on the court, and while he has been in the playoffs before, he probably feels that he has a lot to prove. He was snubbed of an All-Star selection this season and wants to show where he stands in the NBA.
He has been an integral part of the Clippers this season, and they will need him to start performing up to par throughout the playoffs if they want to be serious contenders for an NBA Championship.
When it comes down to all-out talent, the Clippers have more. In terms of superstars, the Nuggets only have one in Nikola Jokić, while the Clippers have two in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. The Nuggets do have Jamal Murray, but he has never been an All-Star. Additionally, aside from Jokić, some of the Nuggets players can be inconsistent at times, which is very alarming considering that every game in the playoffs carries a lot of weight.
The Clippers also have the talent of Ivica Zubac, who is very consistent, and Norman Powell, who is reliable more often than not.
The Clippers are capable of being a very special team. If they can take advantage of playing at home and also get Norman Powell to play up to his standards, then they are going to be very tough for the Nuggets to beat.
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