The Denver Nuggets could've ended the Clippers' season in Game 6 on the road, but instead, lost 111-105, sending the series back to Ball Arena for Game 7. Losing in the first round would be a massive disappointment for a team that employs the best player in basketball.
Denver had the most shocking end to the regular season when the Kroenkes fired Michael Malone and Calvin Booth with three games remaining on the schedule. Many thought the Nuggets would slip into Play-In Tournament range, but instead, Denver won its last three games under interim head coach David Adelman, securing the No. 4 seed.
Adelman could be officially named head coach over the offseason, and beating the Clippers in the first round would undoubtedly help his case. He said he isn't focused on the postseason being an audition for his future, but on winning. So, what could he do to help the Nuggets win on Saturday?
Speaking of the best player in the league, Nikola Jokic might have to play all 48 minutes of regulation. It wouldn't be ideal, but perhaps necessary if Denver wants to extend its season. The Nuggets could avoid Jokic playing 48 minutes if Denver has a sizable lead down the stretch, resulting in the superstar getting some rest. That might be wishful thinking, though.
Nikola Jokic might have to play 48 minutes for Nuggets in Game 7
The Clippers deployed Nic Batum on Jokic in the second half, which helped extend their season. Jokic said after the game that he thinks Batum will start over Kris Dunn in Game 7 because he's a "much better shooter." He's made an impact on both ends.
Jokic knows what's coming, meaning he should be ready for it. He shot 2-of-9 from the field in the second half. The Nuggets' season will end on Saturday if a similar result happens.
Jokic played 42 minutes in Game 6, 37 in Game 5, 43 in Game 4, 37 in Game 3, 43 in Game 2, and 46 in Game 1's overtime win. He's used to his minutes ramping up in the postseason, and he might have to do something that he's never done before in the playoffs, which is stay on the floor for the full 48 minutes. His postseason career-high in minutes played is 46:36, which happened last year in Game 7 against Minnesota.
Whichever team advances to the second round is already at a disadvantage because they'll have to play the Thunder. A Game 7 isn't ideal for either team because OKC swept Memphis in the first round. The Thunder last played on April 26, nearly a week ago. Game 1 of the second round will be on Monday, May 5, or Tuesday, May 6.
The goal shouldn't be for Jokic to play 48 minutes against LA (especially with the shortened turnaround time), but it might be necessary for the Nuggets to punch their ticket to the next round.