We can see that the end of the regular season in the West Conference will be fantastic. Despite of some weeks ago, the six teams that are on the top (direct access to Playoffs) will stay there the rest of the season. The good shape of Minnesota Timberwolves makes that the other franchises have to be focus on this last games. This is exactly the case of Denver. The team from Colorado was and are sixth classified after win against Clippers at Ball Arena (home of Denver). However, this victory is not still enough to secure that place on Playoffs of NBA.
To achieve this victory at home against Clippers, Nuggets had the best version of Nikola Jokic (MVP of the match by far). The Serbian player did an incredible performance with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. He was the guide to lead his teammates to the victory. For that, other players (Aaron Gordon or Jeff Green) shone too with numbers up to two digits. It was another demonstration how this player can incentive the players on the pitch and get the best of them.
Mike Malone, in the interview post game said this: ” I am extremely pleased. Yes, Nikola is a MVP, but this team, with nine matches to end the regular season, needs that all players intensifies their play. In a certain way, Nikola will relieve his pressure all the nights”.
Denver ended the match with a 54,2% of field shots and 50% in triples. This success made to win a match that always was controlled. At the half of the first quarter, local team was ahead. From this moment until the end of the match the guys of Mike Malone controlled all the game. On the other hand, the guys of Tyronn Lue tried to react to this great start of Denver. On the last terms of the game (with five minutes left) local team was just 5 points ahead them. However, the good end of Nikola was decisive.
With this result, Denver is one more week with Playoffs insured. Clippers are eighths (location that make you to play Play-in). However, the shape of the team is very negative. They have just 3 victories in the last 10 games. Although his Play-in is not in dangerous, the feelings and way to play of play this qualifier to Playoffs are not at all hopeful.
Jorge Barbero
