Thanks to a late second quarter surge, the Denver Nuggets lead the Los Angeles Clippers 59-50 at the half.
The Denver Nuggets looked as if they were going to be playing catch up all game in the first quarter. They would take one step forward and then two steps back. Then, the second quarter happened.
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Thanks to solid performances from Gary Harris, Mason Plumlee and Will Barton, Denver was able to go on a run which propelled them to a nine point lead capped off by a Barton put back dunk to end the half. Blake Griffin has been eating the Nuggets alive as he has been taking advantage of his looks as the only star on the floor for the Clippers. He has held Jokic to a very mediocre eight points on 37.5% shooting.
Gary Harris had a terrific first half as Malone actually started the game as the point guard, Jamal Murray is out with a concussion, and Harris finished the half with a nice 15 points. He also hit the first three point shot of the game for Denver and has an impressive four steal total. Harris is shooting 54.5% from the field so far.
Denver has done a fair job of keeping Lou Williams in check so far, which is easier said than done. Do not forget, Williams is the leading scorer in the league for the month of January so far. Right now, Lou has a total of nine points on a below average 33.3% shooting.
Nikola Jokic has to get more aggressive in the second half, otherwise, Griffin will keep bullying him and propel this Clippers squad to a comeback.
Denver had a solid second quarter, but now they must maintain a solid second half if they want to hold off the Clippers in the Western Conference playoff push.