Kawhi Leonard’s resume is stuffed with stellar postseason performances and he twice has been named the NBA Finals MVP.
His troublesome proper knee has hindered him in latest seasons, however he is again in high kind because the Los Angeles Clippers put together for Recreation 3 of their Western Convention first-round sequence in opposition to the visiting Denver Nuggets on Thursday evening.
Leonard poured in 39 factors on 15-of-19 taking pictures as Los Angeles evened the best-of-seven sequence at a recreation apiece with Monday’s 105-102 victory in Denver. It marked the thirty sixth time he has scored 30 or extra factors in a playoff recreation.
Leonard is averaging 30.5 factors on 70.6 p.c taking pictures (24 of 34) by way of the primary two video games of the sequence.
“I am simply completely satisfied that I can transfer and popping out the sport feeling effectively,” Leonard instructed reporters. “That is what I am taking my pleasure in, simply being wholesome. I’ve sat and watched these playoff video games and sequence for the previous few years. So having the ability to be within the entrance line on the market, it simply feels good for me, irrespective of which manner the sport goes.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue sees the distinction in having a wholesome Leonard who can simply give attention to the sport and never be derailed by bodily points.
“That is what Kawhi lives for, getting wholesome for the playoffs,” Lue stated. “We all know if we have a wholesome Kawhi, we are able to win any sequence.”
The fifth-seeded Clippers play the following two video games at residence after splitting in Denver. James Harden can be taking part in effectively, with averages of 25 factors and 9 assists, whereas Ivica Zubac has contributed 18.5 factors and 12.5 rebounds per recreation.
The fourth-seeded Nuggets received the sequence opener 112-110 in additional time on Saturday. However in Recreation 2, they have been sloppy and dedicated 20 turnovers.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic dedicated seven turnovers to take the shine off his nineteenth profession playoff triple-double. He had 26 factors, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“We had 20 turnovers, and I had quite a lot of turnovers, particularly late within the recreation,” Jokic stated. “I had that turnover to Kawhi, the place I threw him the ball. I had that turnover to (teammate) Peyton (Watson), which was unhealthy. They have been aggressive defensively, attacking us and attacking the ball.”
Jokic is averaging 27.5 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds within the two video games. Sidekick Jamal Murray is averaging 22 factors, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon has marks of 19.5 factors and 7 rebounds.
With the primary contest determined in additional time and the Nuggets lacking two 3-pointers within the remaining seconds of Recreation 2, Jokic does not see a lot distinction separating the 2 foes.
“I feel we might be down 2-0 or up 2-0,” Jokic stated. “This sequence has had an awesome two video games, and if you’re a basketball fan, that is the very best basketball you’ll be able to watch. We now have had a aggressive two video games.”
Monday’s loss was the primary for Denver in 5 video games underneath interim coach David Adelman. He moved over a seat on the bench when Michael Malone was surprisingly fired late within the common season.
Adelman cited the 20 turnovers that led to 21 Los Angeles factors and eight missed free throws (in 22 makes an attempt) as main issues.
“You’ll be able to’t miss eight free throws in video games like this,” Adelman stated. “That was a killer.
“Clearly, factors off turnovers, identical to in Recreation 1. We received that battle, and (Monday), they received that battle. Video games like this that grind and the possessions are so powerful, these simple baskets going the opposite manner are such a killer.”
–Subject Stage Media