After the LA Clippers lost another big lead to the Nuggets in Game 6, it’s tempting to lose all hope. You shouldn’t do that just yet.
Take a deep breath, LA Clippers fans. There’s been a lot of panic among Clipper nation everywhere since Game 6 ended, and rightfully so. When the team went up 3-1, the last thing we wanted to see was a Game 7.
There are some very legitimate concerns – rotations seem questionable, the bench hasn’t been able to get it going, and the team has a very annoying habit of taking their foot off the gas. There are reasons to be very worried.
But the world isn’t ending. The series isn’t over. There’s still a Game 7 to be played. We’re in a win or go home situation and, oh yeah, we have Kawhi Leonard playing for our team.
I don’t think there’s a player I trust more in a do-or-die Game 7 than Kawhi Leonard. The situations aren’t the same, but the last time Kawhi faced a Game 7 was as a Raptor against the 76ers when none of his teammates could get it going at all – only Serge Ibaka shot a good percentage. And Kawhi just took 39 shots and took over the game.
I’m not saying Kawhi will take 39 shots in Game 7, but he’s got the ability to take over the game. Any other season, tell a Clippers fan that if Kawhi Leonard wins a Game 7 the Clippers go to the conference finals, and they’ll say that sounds like a pretty good deal.
It’s also tempting to say “even if we win Game 7, this series shows we have no chance against the Lakers.” And sure, this series has brought up some concerns if we make the conference finals. But results from one series just can’t serve as a direct predictor of the next series.
Anthony Davis isn’t Jokic. LeBron James isn’t Jamal Murray. That’s not a statement of skill but just play type. Against a team whose bigs aren’t the fantastic playmakers that Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee are, Montrezl Harrell will fit better. The three-ball won’t be as strong a weapon against us against the Lakers. Don’t completely lose hope for a potential next series based on the last two games.
Don’t lose hope yet, Clipper nation. The series isn’t over. And as tired as I am of talking about how good the Clippers will be if everything clicks, it is still the truth. We’re running out of time to see everything click, but all it takes is for a couple of our role players to show up, and this offense looks a lot different.
Game 7 is on Tuesday. Let’s support the team as strongly now as we did in Game 1. Be sure to follow Clipperholics on Twitter!