Nuggets at Clippers: Keys to the game
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets will have to be wary against this hot Clippers team.
The Denver Nuggets were able to win over the Dallas Mavericks, but almost blew a 23 point lead. This type of complacency will not get the job done against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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The Clippers are coming on a hot streak which includes a win over the Houston Rockets recently. So, what does Denver have to do to steal a win in the Staples Center?
First of all, they cannot overlook the back court of the Clippers. Yes, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan are their best players, but the Clippers know that. As a result, they will try to utilize the back court for a lot of production and Denver has to be prepared.
Patrick Beverly is a rough rider who can guard any point guard or shooting guard and Austin Rivers has been surprisingly effective as of late. The back court for Denver will have to step up for this match up and show once again why they are one of the more promising young groups in the entire league.
The other key to the game is riding the hot hand of Nikola Jokic. Jokic is coming off a 29 point and 18 rebound game, so it is up to Coach Malone to get him a lot of touches early. More touches means an increased incentive to be effective without the ball as well, so it is imperative Denver rides the hot hand of the Joker.
Finally, the Nuggets cannot succumb to the road effect. They can’t let the Clipper crowd get in their heads and play sloppy on the road like they have all year long. Just imagine you are at the Pepsi Center and you should relax and play efficient ball.
Next: Nikola Jokic vs. Deandre Jordan
Denver will have their hands full, but they are more than capable of getting this win.