Deadspin | Clippers like their possibilities vs. Nuggets with Kawhi Leonard wholesome

Kawhi Leonard’s resume is full of stellar postseason performances and he two times has been named the NBA Finals MVP.

His tough proper knee has hindered him in fresh seasons, however he is again in best shape because the Los Angeles Clippers get ready for Game 3 in their Western Conference first-round collection in opposition to the visiting Denver Nuggets on Thursday night time.

Leonard poured in 39 issues on 15-of-19 taking pictures as Los Angeles evened the best-of-seven collection at a recreation apiece with Monday’s 105-102 victory in Denver. It marked the 36th time he has scored 30 or extra issues in a playoff recreation.

Leonard is averaging 30.5 issues on 70.6 % taking pictures (24 of 34) during the first two video games of the collection.

“I’m just happy that I’m able to move and coming out the game feeling well,” Leonard instructed journalists. “That’s what I’m taking my pride in, just being healthy. I’ve sat and watched these playoff games and series for the past few years. So being able to be in the front line out there, it just feels good for me, no matter which way the game goes.”

Clippers trainer Tyronn Lue sees the variation in having a wholesome Leonard who can simply center of attention at the recreation and no longer be derailed via bodily problems.

“This is what Kawhi lives for, getting healthy for the playoffs,” Lue mentioned. “We know if we’ve got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”

The fifth-seeded Clippers play the following two video games at house after splitting in Denver. James Harden may be taking part in smartly, with averages of 25 issues and 9 assists, whilst Ivica Zubac has contributed 18.5 issues and 12.5 rebounds in step with recreation.

The fourth-seeded Nuggets gained the collection opener 112-110 in additional time on Saturday. But in Game 2, they had been sloppy and dedicated 20 turnovers.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic dedicated seven turnovers to take the shine off his 19th occupation playoff triple-double. He had 26 issues, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

“We had 20 turnovers, and I had a lot of turnovers, especially late in the game,” Jokic mentioned. “I had that turnover to Kawhi, where I threw him the ball. I had that turnover to (teammate) Peyton (Watson), which was bad. They were aggressive defensively, attacking us and attacking the ball.”

Jokic is averaging 27.5 issues, 11 assists and 10 rebounds within the two video games. Sidekick Jamal Murray is averaging 22 issues, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon has marks of 19.5 issues and 7 rebounds.

With the primary contest made up our minds in additional time and the Nuggets lacking two 3-pointers within the ultimate seconds of Game 2, Jokic does not see a lot distinction isolating the 2 foes.

“I think we can be down 2-0 or up 2-0,” Jokic mentioned. “This series has had a great two games, and if you are a basketball fan, this is the best basketball you can watch. We have had a competitive two games.”

Monday’s loss was once the primary for Denver in 5 video games underneath meantime trainer David Adelman. He moved over a seat at the bench when Michael Malone was once unusually fired overdue within the common season.

Adelman cited the 20 turnovers that ended in 21 Los Angeles issues and 8 neglected loose throws (in 22 makes an attempt) as primary issues.

“You can’t miss eight free throws in games like this,” Adelman mentioned. “That was a killer.

“Obviously, issues off turnovers, identical to in Game 1. We gained that struggle, and (Monday), they gained that struggle. Games like this that grind and the possessions are so difficult, the ones simple baskets going the wrong way are this kind of killer.”

–Field Level Media