After four meeting, it has not taken long to realize that the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets may be the only two rivals to go to the seven-game limit. It seems like each game, a dice could be rolled on who would come out on top, as the series has italicized a game-winner, Kawhi Leonard soaring for 39 points, and multiple altercations that have caused controversy on the fairness of the NBA.
However, at this very moment, the Clippers are back in Denver with the odds of the series stacked toward the opposition. Rightfully so, Nikola Jokic has belittled whoever has guarded him. This does not explicitly mean the wild three-pointers and soft-touch finishes he is used to hitting, as the three-time MVP is making rebounding and assisting as a big man look as easy as taking candy from a baby.
In game four, Aaron Gordon won by being in the right place at the right time, and Jokic recorded 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Narratives have swooped regarding his conditioning and stamina, which the Serbian Megastar shattered by leading the NBA with 169.4 playoff minutes.
Furthermore, Jokic grilling the Clippers is one of the issues head coach Tyronn Lue has not burned the bridge between. Others, such as spacing and superstar help, are paramount, and then there is Ben Simmons, a liability to LA's blueprint.
Tyronn Lue must indefinitely bench the LA Clippers' biggest detriment, Ben Simmons
As a defensive producer, Ben Simmons has averaged 9.3 playoff minutes per game this season. Only Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr. can mimic his on-ball mobility and bust the the Denver Nuggets' two-man game between Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
However, labeling the offense of the LSU product as horrendous would be a downplay. It is not that he is inefficient, despite shooting 40% from the floor, but the former first-overall pick has only taken five shots in 36.9 minutes. In addition, he has averaged 1.0 points in four contests.
Moreover, all five attempts were just a few feet out. The likelihood of Simmons attempting a layup, let alone converting it, is the rarest in the league for a six-foot-ten floor general. The French Knight, Nicolas Batum, can play Nikola Jokic the same and still look for his shot without forcing it.
That said, the LA Clippers' season needs saving, and Lue can contribute by benching Simmons.