The LA Clippers will need a strong performance to take down the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon and continue their push for the playoffs.
The LA Clippers barely escaped Memphis with a win on Friday, after falling apart in the second half and blowing a 22-point lead late in the third quarter. As usual, Lou Williams gutted out an impressive fourth frame that kept LA on top for good.
It was an incredibly sloppy performance by the Clippers, who committed 23 turnovers and connected on a mere 24 percent of their three-point attempts. And if they play that kind of game again on Sunday afternoon in Denver, it seems highly unlikely that the Clippers would come away victorious.
The Denver Nuggets have been punishing teams that commit those kinds of errors all season long, and they have a 2-1 game advantage over the Clippers in the season series as well. Add that Denver has lost a league-low four games at home this season, and this game looks especially difficult.
However, I’d be wary of calling it unwinnable. The Clippers can certainly compete with the Nuggets, and if a certain few things happen, LA could could out on top.
In LA’s lone win over Denver this season, they were especially hot from deep. In December 22’s 132-111 victory, the Clippers made 10 of their 20 looks from three-point range, three of which came from Danilo Gallinari. Another three of those makes came from Tobias Harris, and although he’s no longer with the team, the Clippers have since added another deep-ball threat that could become a big problem for the Nuggets this afternoon.
Landry Shamet has been shooting very well for LA since he was acquired in the Harris trade, connecting on 47.8 percent of his looks from range. It’s no surprise, then, that LA’s best three-point shooting lineup is the one that features Shamet and the starters — the group has posted a +9.1 three-point differential in just under 31 minutes of play together this season.
If Shamet and Co. can take control from deep early on, LA could jump out to a nice lead, similar to how they did on Friday.
LA also needs to take control on the glass as early as possible. The team grabbed an average of 42.5 rebounds in losses against Denver this season, compared to 56 in the win. Montrezl Harrell, Ivica Zubac, Gallinari and Patrick Beverley are all gifted rebounders and will need to step up.
A win would bring the Clippers up to 34-27 on the season, and could bump them up in the standings if the San Antonio Spurs lose to the New York Knicks today. Currently, LA has a 1.5 game lead over the Sacramento Kings and a 3.5 game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The LA Clippers will take the floor in Denver at 2:00 PM PST. The game will be aired on NBA TV. Be sure to follow along with us on Twitter for live updates and analysis!