Playoffs Day 9 and The Clippers Are Back! 8.25.20
It’s Day 9 of the NBA Playoffs as we only have two games today.
It’s Day 9 of the NBA Playoffs as we only have two games today.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Giannis was by far the best defender on the best defensive team. He is well deserving of the award.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz lost their 5th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Jazz have dominated this series as they held a 3-1 series lead entering this game. Donovan Mitchell and company had been controlling this series and it seemed like the Jazz were destined to end this series in 5 games. And it looked like they would do so as they held a sizeable lead at halftime and led by double-digits in the 3rd quarter. But, Jamal Murray kind of happened. And the Jazz fell apart in the 4th and they lost 117-107. The Jazz still lead 3-2.
Offensively the Jazz were great as they shot 50% from the field and 47% from 3. Utah was also 13/16 from the free throw line. The Jazz turned the ball over 15 times. Utah also had 46 points in the paint.
Defensively the Jazz were terrible as the Nuggets shot 51% from the field and 46% from 3. Denver was also 15/16 from the free throw line. The Jazz only forced 9 turnovers. Utah also allowed 36 points in the paint.
Donovan Mitchell had 30 points and 5 assists. Mike Conley had 17 points and 5 assists. Jordan Clarkson had 17 points off the bench. Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and Joe Ingles were also in double figures.
Conclusion
The Jazz had a chance to win this series, but they were dealing with a Nuggets team fighting for their lives. And the Jazz had a great 1st half and it looked like they would pull away. But the Jazz couldn’t stop Jamal Murray in the 2nd half and the Jazz offense stalled in the 4th. The Jazz still lead 3-2 in the series but they want to finish this series before it goes to 7 games.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets won their 5th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Nuggets have not looked like the same team in the playoffs as they have been dominated in this series. The Nuggets trailed 3-1 in this series and needed a win to keep their season alive. But it looked like the Nuggets were going home after a poor 1st half. But Jamal Murray said he wasn’t going home as he had a monster 2nd half. Along with the Nuggets defense, they won 117-107. The Nuggets still trail 3-2 in the series, but they are still alive.
Offensively the Nuggets were great as they shot 51% from the field and 46% from 3. Denver was also 15/16 from the free throw line. Denver turned the ball over 9 times. Denver also only had 36 points in the paint.
Defensively the Nuggets were terrible as the Jazz shot 50% from the field and 47% from 3. Utah was also 13/16 from the free throw line. The Nuggets forced 15 turnovers. Denver also allowed 46 points in the paint.
Jamal Murray had 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Nikola Jokic had 31 points and 6 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. Jerami Grant had 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Nuggets fought back in the 2nd half as they won Game 5 to keep their season alive. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were again great, but their defense was great when they needed to be. The Nuggets still have an uphill battle ahead of them in this series, but they have some momentum to build upon and try and comeback in this series.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks lost their 5th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After Luka’s magical performance in Game 4, the Mavs found themselves in a tied 2-2 series. But they would still have an uphill battle against the Clippers. Not only were they playing the best roster in the NBA, but they would be without Kristaps Porzingis again. And the Mavs got crushed as they lost 154-111. The Mavs now trail 3-2 in the series.
Offensively Dallas was solid as they shot 45% from the field and 32% from 3. Dallas was also 23/33 from the free throw line. Dallas turned the ball over 13 times. The Mavericks also had 42 points in the paint.
Defensively the Mavericks were terrible as LA shot 63% from the field and 63% from 3. LA was also 26/34 from the free throw line. The Mavericks forced 15 turnovers. Dallas also allowed 42 points in the paint.
Luka Doncic had 22 points and 8 rebounds. Tim Hardaway had 19 points. Trey Burke had 15 points. Maxi Kleber and Delon Wright were both in double figures.
Conclusion
The Mavericks looked tired out there and they got dominated. Their offense was shut down for the most of the night and they couldn’t stop LA on the other end. The Mavs might have been shot without Kristaps Porzingis and after this performance, it is unlikely that the Mavs come back in this series.
LA Clippers
The Clippers won their 5th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After getting embarrassed by Luka Doncic in Game 4, the Clippers were in a tied series, 2-2. Playoff P couldn’t buy a basket in this series, and the Clippers needed to get themselves going to win this series. And they did just that as they dominated this game in all facets and they won 154-111. The Clippers now led 3-2 in the series.
Offensively the Clippers were perfect as they shot 63% from the field and 63% from 3. LA was also 26/34 from the free throw line. LA turned the ball over 15 times. The Clippers also had 42 points in the paint.
Defensively the Clippers were solid as Dallas shot 45% from the field and 32% from 3. Dallas was also 23/33 from the free throw line. The Clippers forced 13 turnovers. The Clippers also allowed 42 points in the paint.
Paul George had 35 points. Kawhi Leonard had 32 points and 7 rebounds. Montrezl Harrell had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Morris, Landry Shamet, and Reggie Jackson were also in double figures.
Conclusion
The Clippers got back into their rhythm as they completely obliterated the Mavs. PG-13 was back in his usual form, and he was the sole reason that they won. George was always the key to the Clippers success, and if he can play like this, the Clippers will go very far. But the Clippers look to end this series in 6 games as they advance through the West.
What Are Your Thoughts From Day 9 of the NBA Playoffs? Leave A Comment Down Below!
My Thoughts On Some Topics From Day 9 Will Be Posted Tomorrow, So Stay Tuned!
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