Nuggets defeat Clippers, 110-101, in Game 2: 3 takeaways

The Denver Nuggets came out swinging in Game 2, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 110-101.

Thanks to great team effort on both ends of the floor, the Denver Nuggets were able to complete a wire-to-wire win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The Nuggets were able to jump out to an early lead over the Clippers, outscoring LA 44-25 in the first quarter, as Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver  with 15 points in the period. While the Clippers appeared to move at a sluggish pace for the majority of the first half, Denver did a great job of swarming to the ball when there was penetration.

Los Angeles played better throughout the rest of the game, but Kawhi Leonard was held to just 13 points on 4-17 shooting from the field. In fact, each of Kawhi, Paul George, Lou Williams and Marcus Morris each shot below 40% from the floor, which was a credit to Jerami Grant and Gary Harris especially. Although the Nuggets’ defense would slow down, Denver’s offense moved the ball well and were able to get significant contributions from multiple players.

With Jokic (27 points) and Jamal Murray (26 points) leading the way, four more Nuggets (Harris, Paul Millsap, Monte Morris and Michael Porter Jr.) also scored in double-figures.

Here are the main takeaways from Denver’s Game 2 win:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — The Nuggets almost have two different teams, which TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal noted during the halftime broadcast.

There’s the version of them that everybody loves — when they play with a high-level of effort and patience get strong performances from their two best players. Then there’s the version that doesn’t show up, playing with hesitation on the defensive end and stagnant on offense.

Tonight, the Nuggets played like the team everyone loves. Even when shots weren’t falling, they hung their hat on the defensive end and sustained their lead. If Denver wants any chance to this series to turn in their favor, they’ll have to be the best version of themselves, not the team that sleepwalks and falls apart.

Paul Millsap sighting — Paul Millsap was playing like a man possessed on Saturday, displaying a level of defensive effort and execution that had been lacking thus far this postseason. His passionate play extended to the offensive end, where he finished with 13 points on 5-11 shooting from the field and 2-5 from three.

It’s been a struggle for Millsap for the better part of the playoffs, as the 35-year-old power forward is clearly on the backside of his career. Him playing at the level he played in Game 2 consistently may even be asking too much. Nonetheless, if they can get a couple of more performances like this from Millsap against the Clippers, it’ll go a long way towards them stealing games.

Jerami Grant x-factor — Grant was an excellent individual and team defender on Saturday night, helping hold Kawhi to 13 points on 4-17 shooting. He also notched three blocks and two steals. Kawhi won’t be this inefficient for the rest of the series but Grant has shown he can be trusted to defend an elite forward. Should the Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers meet in the Western Conference Finals, his defense will continue to be an x-factor for the team.

Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers is set for Monday, Sep. 7, at 9 PM EST.