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DENVER — The Clippers let Game 1 slip away 112-110 in overtime to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Los Angeles struggled late allowing the Nuggets to walk away with the win. Los Angeles now trails the series 1-0.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers loss to the Nuggets:
Kawhi struggles
Kawhi Leonard is the most accomplished player on the Clippers when it comes to winning.
Leonard is the guy with championship rings and Finals MVPs in his resume.
On Saturday night, Leonard played underwhelmingly especially when it mattered most.
The two-time champion turned the ball over a season-high seven times in the loss. He finished the game with 22 points but scored only eight points in the second half including overtime.
For most players his performance wasn’t bad but for a player of his caliber on a team with championship aspirations. He will need to be better and help close a game like Game 1.
Los Angeles needs a much better performance from their superstar forward if they plan to steal Game 2 on Monday night.
Turnovers still a problem
The Clippers have had issues protecting the ball all season and looks like that problem may carry over to the playoffs.
Los Angeles turned the ball over 20 times in Game 1 while only forcing 11 turnovers.
The extra possessions given to the Nuggets allowed them to get back into the game and cost the Clippers at the end.
The Nuggets took advantage of the Clippers turnovers turning them into 29 points. Los Angeles scored only 9 points off of the 11 Denver turnovers.
Too many unforced errors have hurt the Clippers in spurts during the season and they need to control this problem to be successful in the playoffs.
Zubac is up for the Jokic challenge
Ivica Zubac has had the best season of his career. He is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award and is needed to perform well for the Clippers to win.
In the first game of the series, Zubac’s matchup with potential MVP Nikola Jokic was a key match coming in and neither player let their fanbases down.
Zubac was successful attacking Jokic finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds and a steal.
Once again he was a factor on both ends of the floor.
Though Jokic finished with a near triple double with 29 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. He had issues with Zubac late in the game. Jokic only scored four points after the third quarter.
Zubac is showing the world that he belongs in the conversation top bigs in the NBA with his play against the top big in the league.
