The Western Conference Semifinals have started with a blowout. The LA Clippers demolished the Denver Nuggets 120-98 to start their campaign with a win. With this commanding win, the Clippers have amassed the fourth-highest points total ever through the first seven postseason games.
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The 1984-85 Lakers had the highest total with 904 pts, and the 1986-87 Lakers had the second highest with 902 pts. Both these teams went on to win the title. The Clippers have scored 880 points, and could potentially emulate the success those Lakers’ teams had.
The Clippers showed signs of slipping against the Mavericks in the first round. But now, in the second round, they have started with a statement win. Hall of Famer Magic Johnson was also impressed by their win and appreciated them.
I’m a Lakers fan but I have to admit the Clippers are deep and play well together! Evident by their blowout 120-97 win over the Nuggets.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 4, 2020
LA Clippers to bring out the brooms?
Last night’s game was a mismatch. The Nuggets kept it close till the early minutes of the second quarter, but then the Clippers took off. At one point, they led by 29 points.
The Nugget’s exhaustion from their Game 7 against the Jazz was evident. However, they cannot afford excuses now. They have to improve or risk being swept.
As for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard has continued his exceptional form. This is his best playoff run so far, averaging 32.3 points while shooting 56% from the field. Lou Williams has also been key for them, averaging 15 points off the bench and scoring at an efficient 51% from the field.
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The Clippers outclassed the Nuggets last night, and it looks like it will be a short series. They out-rebounded the Nuggets, shot much better than them, and with their dominant display they never gave the Nuggets a chance.
If the Clippers advance to the next round, it will be their first-ever appearance in the Conference Finals. In 2015 they came close after being up 3-1 against the Rockets in the Semifinals. But then they crumbled, and the Rockets won 4-3. The Clippers will hope to avoid a similar situation and live up to the favorites tag.
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