Denver Nuggets Bounce Back to Even Series Against L.A. Clippers
Instant Reaction: Nuggets Edge Clippers in Game 4 Thriller
The Denver Nuggets secured a nail-biting 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of their opening NBA Playoffs series on Saturday at the Intuit Dome. Here’s how the action unfolded:
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“All Hands on Deck” Strategy:
Interim Nuggets head coach David Adelman promised a collective effort for the crucial Game 4 clash. While the strategy largely mirrored the team’s previous three games, one notable change occurred: With Russell Westbrook sidelined by a foot injury, second-year guard Jalen Pickett and, surprisingly, Vlatko Cancar were the first to be called off the bench. Cancar, who had not played significant playoff minutes until that point, promptly committed a turnover, leading to an easy score for the Clippers. His brief two-minute stint underscored the limited options Adelman has available. -
Michael Porter Jr.’s Determination:
A major talking point heading into the match was whether Michael Porter Jr. could push through the game despite his injured left shoulder. After labeling his performance as being at “20 or 30%” post-Thursday’s heavy defeat, Porter Jr. returned on Saturday with a bandaged shoulder and delivered some critical shots, including a stepback 3-pointer over Kawhi Leonard, contributing to a 4-of-7 night from beyond the arc. Although his injury still presented challenges, particularly with ball-handling, Porter Jr. silenced critics of his toughness by making a significant impact. Denver will look for more of this resilience from Porter in Game 5 on Tuesday, which could spell trouble for the Clippers. -
Fighting Spirit Displayed:
After Thursday’s loss left many declaring the series over with L.A. up 2-1, the Nuggets responded by bringing the fight to the Clippers. The moment that stood out was Aaron Gordon confronting James Harden, leading to a scuffle and six offsetting technical fouls. Yet the conflict on the court was just part of the story. Porter Jr. was relentless with crucial shots, Christian Braun fought hard for rebounds and points near the basket, Gordon hounded Kawhi, and Nikola Jokic orchestrated plays like a maestro. Despite Jamal Murray’s off-night performance, shooting just 5-for-17, the Nuggets managed to escape L.A. with the series tied 2-2. Now, with home court advantage reclaimed, this matchup boils down to a best-of-three series, thanks in part to Gordon’s unforgettable putback dunk.