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00:00For Monday night here in Colorado ball arena is all lit up the home of the
00:06Nuggets ready for playoff basketball you're watching the first round
00:10presented by nerd wallet what a match up here and a great crowd a sellout the
00:16four and the five the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers Denver winning game
00:22one here on their home floor the winner of this series will advance to take on
00:28either Oklahoma City or Memphis Oklahoma City with a 50-point victory they'll be
00:35back on the air tomorrow here on TNT you've got Lakers and Wolves also
00:39tomorrow on TNT Wednesday our crew heads to Houston to see the 2-7 matchup between
00:46the Rockets and the Golden State Warriors we are fully in it and with that we
00:51welcome you hi everybody Brian Anderson along with the coach Stan Van Gundy we'll
00:55hear from Lauren Jabara in just a moment we are in the dark it is club ball arena
01:00right now they are excited to see this Denver team after winning game one and a
01:05familiar duo getting the job done coach yeah listen when it comes playoff time
01:09there is no one in NBA history that raises their offensive production more than
01:16the two Denver stars Murray and Jokic we saw it the other night and down the
01:20stretch it's going to be that two-man game that the Clippers have to contend with
01:24on the other side the Clippers have their own stars in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard
01:31but the guy that they really need to get going tonight is Norman Powell in the four
01:37regular season games against the Nuggets this year Denver had no answer for Powell
01:42he averaged 28 points a game they've got to find a way to get him more involved tonight
01:48Clippers going back home for game three important game here certainly don't want to go down 2-0 Clippers
01:57and Nuggets finished with the identical records of 50 and 32 the Nuggets got the four seed because
02:04of a tiebreaker the conference record they split the season series this year two and two Kawhi Leonard
02:10playing his very first game of the year in game one on Saturday night here in Denver had not played a game this season and that terrific
02:20duo
02:29and that terrific duo with
02:30Murray
02:32let's check in with the third member of our team as we send it over to Lauren Jabara hi Lauren hey VA it is like club ball arena in here it's exciting
02:40game
02:41but that's the two games set to go but you mention Nikola Jokic Jamal Murray two of the guys on this team that elevate their game when it comes to the playoffs I talked to Christian
02:50Brown pregame and said what makes Nikola Jokic elevate everyone's game around and he said he's an elite passer but what really sets him apart and how he's scoring draws so much defensive attention you have to send two or three guys at him it creates easier looks for all of us open threes layups better shots overall he sees the game especially
03:08in transition we're all lucky to be playing alongside a guy like that he does a little bit of everything and we're looking forward to doing it again tonight in front of a home crowd way to push through that crowd Lauren it is rocking it here right now same starting fives we saw in game one with Harden Dunn
03:29Powell Kawhi and Avita Zubats and then you got Murray and Brown in the backcourt Michael Porter Jr. could be the wild card here tonight did not play well in game one with Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic one of the all time greats to ever come through not just Denver but the NBA and he'll certainly have a chance to win another MVP this year he and Shea Gilgis Alexander
03:52will be the two finalists there we are underway Mark Davis Tyler Ford Ed Molloy our three officials Denver controls the opening tip
04:03and Murray finds Jokic first shot of the ball game and Leonard comes away with a rebound
04:11just getting started here we welcome all of those coming to us from the Pistons and the Knicks what a game that was and we are just underway here in Denver Brian Anderson with Stan Van Gundy and Lauren Jabara Denver winning game one Saturday this is the 4-5 matchup in the west
04:40in the west
04:42and Jokic puts the Nuggets on the board first three-pointer
04:47I mean this guy is unbelievable I mean his versatility great low post player outstanding passer can lead the fast break and he's shooting threes at over 40 percent
05:00that guy's not bad either Kawhi Leonard how about this game we're gonna look back at 10 20 years and look at some of the all-time great players matching up
05:09but this one is Kawhi Leonard puts the claw on Gordon that's gonna be a jump ball
05:16he's not as great defensively as he once was but he is still very good he's got the wingspan and he's got that claw and he shuts down Gordon to force the jump
05:28I know the Nuggets wanted a foul there but replay I think was pretty clear clean block by Kawhi Leonard
05:38overtime win for the Nuggets in game one on Saturday night one twelve one ten was the final they'll get two days off before they play again they don't play again until Thursday night for game three in L.A. and into a dome and you know that place is gonna be cooking as well
05:55great strip there by Chris Dunn helping in the gap fourth in the league in steals
06:02keep an eye on Michael Porter Jr.'s body language here early he was rendered off the floor late in the game in game one didn't play in the OT
06:11here's Powell that's the guy who said they gotta get going Powell had a terrific year was having an all-star caliber year until he got hurt two separate trips to the injured list with a hamstring injury
06:24Jokic leaves it for Brown he is fouled and free throws for Christian Brown well we talked about Jokic's versatility they're running pick and roll with Jokic handling the ball your center we've seen him shoot two threes he's a low post guy oh yeah we'll run pick and rolls with him handling the ball and he gets downhill and then makes a nice dish the point center and he's more than qualified as Brown misses the first foul shot Brown's had a career
06:53but Brown's had a career year himself and he lays all of the credit to Jokic and Murray especially Jokic for helping him get into the right spots and his minutes are attached mostly to Jokic and like Jokic he's got a heavy plus minus on the plus side this year as Brown hits one out of two ties us at four
07:15well I think he went to the coaches Brown and said when you take Jokic out take me out and you see the Nuggets they played a lot of this the other night they're going to go zone they like to do it after free throws and timeouts
07:29Clippers like to still run their pick and roll with Harden
07:33once again calling Powell's number and he missed it and there is Porter with the rebound
07:44missed it Gordon inside again Kawhi Leonard defending back up the floor Leonard's going to stop and pop a three Kawhi nails a triple
07:54Leonard 33 years of age had seven turnovers in game one as Murray goes strong with the left hand see Murray's got the sleeves on
08:06he's been a little bit under the weather that's not a normal look for Jamal Murray he is trying to find his win whenever he can Brown with a steal Brown running with Porter Brown leaves it for Porter who puts it in Denver in transition
08:21well and that was the story the other night right 29 points off of 20 Clipper turnovers for the Nuggets Clippers have done a great job over the last quarter of the season cutting their turnovers down
08:37Powell drives Powell
08:40was looking for a foul none called here comes Porter Murray sets up for three
08:45cash
08:467-0 Denver run
08:57team that led the NBA in fast break points this year
09:01absolutely
09:03that's how they want to play with pace and another
09:07flipper turnover
09:09that was Porter who forced that turnover
09:11now he fires a three no Gordon is there no
09:13and Zubats clears it away
09:16flippers have got to be more efficient offensively
09:20to give themselves a chance here their defense in the off court is outstanding
09:26flippers already with two turnovers
09:28they turned it over 20 times in game one as Chris Dunn
09:32reigns one in
09:34well Chris Dunn over the last quarter of the year
09:37last 20 games shot over 40% from three
09:39the key for him is he's got to shoot those open shots all game long
09:44Brown to the basket lays it in
09:46Jokic hit him in stride and Brown puts it down
09:50now working with Zubats here
09:55Zubats
09:59a little turnaround on Jokic nice move
10:01beats Zubats
10:02we got off to a great start
10:04in game one and he's gone right at
10:07Jokic in the post here twice
10:09to start this game
10:11I see Jeff Van Gundy over there already in a stance
10:13he did everything but slap the floor
10:15Murray
10:17no luck Jokic
10:19fights Gordon in the corner
10:20that's his spot
10:22and another three is good
10:24and the author of the Clipper defense
10:27has seen a three-point
10:29barrage here by Denver
10:32but Denver last in the league in three-point attempts
10:36Clippers next to last but both of these teams in the top seven
10:39in three-point percentage
10:41Powell's missed his first three shots
10:44making his first four shots
10:46his first two threes
10:48that is a major watch tonight with Powell
10:51and he forces a turnover
10:53nice play Powell on the run
10:55and Murray ties him up
10:57that's going to be a jump ball
10:59what a play by Jamal Murray
11:03what a start here
11:05we go to our first timeout
11:06shot out of a cannon tonight
11:09excellent defense by Murray
11:13four-point Denver lead when we come back
11:19very loud ball arena
11:21now Jamal Murray raises the stakes
11:24when it comes to the playoffs
11:26he's averaging 24.1 points per game
11:28in the playoffs compared to 18 during the regular season
11:31I talked to David Adelman and said how important was it
11:33that he played those last two regular season games
11:37after missing the previous six with that right hamstring injury
11:40and he told me getting Jamal into a rhythm before the playoffs was huge
11:44the week before game one was tricky because some guys needed rest but Jamal
11:48he wanted to practice so we had to balance things keeping the pace going for him
11:51while managing guys like Aaron and Nicola's minutes but by Saturday everyone was ready and he said Jamal looked good to me in game one he missed a few shots that he usually hits early but they were the right looks if he keeps getting those and the teams start blitzing and that just opens things up for us to play team basketball and attack guys but it is Jamal in the postseason we're used to seeing it you know he's gonna bring it tonight even under the weather.
12:13That's some great moments in his career Kawhi Leonard just scored on Jamal Murray and Murray wonder where the foul was chance at a three point play here for Kawhi.
12:24Well Kawhi is so strong I agree with that Murray moves up into him gets the bump and knocks it in shot the ball well in game one from two point range but got himself into trouble on the dribble quite a few times and was indecisive had those uncharacteristic moves.
12:41They've had those uncharacteristic seven turnovers played 41 minutes Leonard's been on a nice run with 40 plus minute performance as a matter of fact in that overtime win at Golden State last game of the regular season that helped the Clippers out of the play and he played 43 minutes at 33 points in that game and now a whistle on this side of the floor.
13:03No shot when we see the difference here with the Clippers little change in the way Ty Lue is going to rotate his players.
13:10He gets Ben Simmons in as the backup five on Jokic early.
13:15The plan is to give Zubats an extra rest but shorter rest.
13:22Murray knifes his way in and lays it in.
13:28Now we talked to Ty Lue about perhaps matching Zubats' minutes with Jokic's minutes and the numbers are favorable for the Clippers with Zubats on the floor with Jokic but he was pretty clear he doesn't think Zubats can play that long in those kind of stretches.
13:47And so altering that rotation as you mentioned that'll be interesting to watch tonight.
13:52Well and that's a...
13:54Porter lays it in.
13:56That is a comment on the conditioning also of Nikola Jokic that another seven footer will struggle to match his minutes.
14:07Simmons goes to the basket and lays it in.
14:10I like that.
14:11Ben Simmons has been avoiding in my opinion trying to go to the basket.
14:17I think afraid to get fouled.
14:19They need the aggressive Ben Simmons.
14:22Aaron Gordon went down.
14:23He's back up but he's in pain.
14:25As Brown hangs no good.
14:27The foul by Porter.
14:29That's something David Adelman said he needs to see out of Porter.
14:33He's got to play harder.
14:36He's giving him some good minutes early.
14:39Murray hounding Kawhi Leonard.
14:41Leonard down in the corner.
14:43Jokic lurking for help.
14:46Leonard taking it all by himself and he knocks down the mid-range.
14:51Wow.
14:52I mean you can't play the defense any better than Jamal Murray did there.
14:58What a great matchup we have in this series.
15:01These teams, they go about it in different ways.
15:04But they're comparable in their matchups.
15:07And what one does well, the other does not.
15:10But they counter a lot of that.
15:12Offense to defense.
15:14It's gonna be a great series.
15:15As Kawhi Leonard from the same spot.
15:1812 first quarter points for the claw.
15:21He has not missed.
15:22Five for five.
15:23Made his only three.
15:24Made his only free throw.
15:26That was Powell who knocked that out of Jokic's hands.
15:30Clippers down a point.
15:31Can take the lead.
15:32Harden gets to the basket.
15:33Comes up short.
15:34Up ahead Jokic.
15:36On the breakaway.
15:40Timeout Clippers.
15:42How about the Nuggets coach in transition in this quarter.
15:48Well this is Nuggets basketball.
15:50But it's usually Jokic throwing this pass to someone else.
15:54This time he receives it on the run out.
15:57Well his Clippers trail by three.
16:03But Kawhi Leonard doing it all.
16:05Hits the three in transition.
16:08Then gets the old fashioned three.
16:10Knocking it down and getting to the line.
16:13Great little turnaround on the back end.
16:15And then one of the best mid range shooters the game's ever seen.
16:20Knocking down the mid range.
16:21He's five for five.
16:23Twelve points.
16:24Two rebounds.
16:25Two assists.
16:26And a block.
16:28Contested shots as well.
16:30Meanwhile Denver with seven fast break points.
16:33They've got ten made field goals and seven assists.
16:37Harden now.
16:38Misses a three.
16:39Harden.
16:41Has not made one just yet.
16:42He's 0 for four.
16:43And he's missed three times from beyond the arc.
16:45Murray.
16:46Pulls it.
16:47Comes up short.
16:48Russell Westbrook is on the floor.
16:50For Denver.
16:51You see the five on the floor for the Clippers.
16:53Including Bogdanovich.
16:54And Batum off that bench.
16:57And that's going the other way.
16:59Bogdanovich.
17:00Trade acquisition from Atlanta.
17:03And he is a key figure coming off the bench.
17:07They didn't get much production.
17:08The Clippers off the bench in game one coach.
17:11Not at all.
17:12They really need to get Bogdanovich going.
17:15The Clippers caught sleeping there.
17:18They're arguing a call up here.
17:21They don't get matched up.
17:23They give up a bucket.
17:26Westbrook so excellent in game one.
17:30All those little plays like that.
17:31Now he's got a rebound.
17:33Pushes it to Brown.
17:34And Brown to Watson.
17:35Batum with a foul.
17:37The Nuggets are flying right now.
17:43Excellent in transition.
17:44Their outlet passing is clinical.
17:49Peyton Watson will go to the free throw line.
17:52Chance to remind you that the NBA on TNT is brought to you by the Kia Telluride X line.
17:57Kia the official automotive partner of the NBA.
18:02Jamal Murray gets his first breather.
18:05Great start.
18:06How about all five starters for the Nuggets have scored.
18:09All five have at least one assist.
18:13And Watson just off the bench misses the first foul shot.
18:16Well the Clippers are going to need to be a lot better in transition.
18:21This team led.
18:22Nuggets led the league as you said Brian.
18:24Fast break points 20 a game.
18:26They had 16 in game one.
18:28A lot of those though coming off of turnovers.
18:31These tonight they're just getting out now running.
18:34The Clippers down the floor 10 fast break points already.
18:38That's not going to get it done.
18:40Much different start for the Nuggets here in game two.
18:44Clippers very successful quarter one.
18:48In game one as Zubats gets a nice feed from James Harden.
18:52What a combo those two are.
18:53Well five assists from Harden to Zubats in game one.
18:58And nobody assists another player more than Harden does for Zubats in this entire league.
19:05Jokic and Westbrook now.
19:07Brown quick release to Westbrook.
19:09He drives it.
19:10Lost the handle.
19:11Turns it over.
19:12Bogdanovich out ahead on the break.
19:15Denver gets back.
19:17And now Harden.
19:20And Jones.
19:21Jones on a rib run.
19:23He hangs.
19:24Misses.
19:25Gets a rebound.
19:26Bogdanovich from the corner.
19:28No good.
19:29Here comes Watson.
19:32Watson fakes the pass.
19:34Leaves it in.
19:35Add two more.
19:37Fast break points to the Nuggets first quarter.
19:4012 fast break points in the quarter.
19:47Harden just lost the handle.
19:48Unforced.
19:49Watson.
19:50Three pointer.
19:51Cash.
19:52Another one is down.
19:53Jalen Pickett this time.
19:55Denver by nine.
19:56Time out on the floor.
19:58It's all in transition.
19:5915 fast break points.
20:00Payton Watson coast to coast.
20:02And then Jay Pickett knocks down a three.
20:04Nuggets by nine.
20:05Offs presented by Google.
20:06On a scene here at Ball Arena downtown Denver.
20:08This place is rocking.
20:09And their Nuggets off to a fast start.
20:12Clippers with the ball.
20:13James Harden 0 for 3.
20:14And they're Nuggets off to a fast start.
20:16Clippers with the ball.
20:17James Harden 0 for 3.
20:18With three turnovers in the early going.
20:19Looking inside for two box.
20:20A steal by Jokic.
20:21Jokic pushes.
20:22Oh he drops it off.
20:23No look.
20:24And they're Nuggets.
20:25They're Nuggets by nine.
20:26Nuggets by nine.
20:27Offs presented by Google.
20:28On a scene here at Ball Arena downtown Denver.
20:29This place is rocking.
20:30And their Nuggets off to a fast start.
20:31Clippers with the ball.
20:32James Harden 0 for 3.
20:33With three turnovers.
20:34In the early going.
20:35Looking inside for two box.
20:36A steal by Jokic.
20:37Jokic pushes.
20:38Oh he drops it off.
20:39No look.
20:40Looking inside for two box.
20:42A steal by Jokic.
20:43Jokic pushes.
20:44Oh he drops it off.
20:45No look.
20:46Bogdanovich hit the deck.
20:49He was hoping for a charge.
20:52That'll be Denver ball.
20:54Two Serbians matched up with each other there.
20:57Teammates in the Olympics and know each other well.
21:00I will say Stan.
21:01We've kind of seen this trending toward the end of the regular season.
21:05But some of the calls you may get.
21:07You're expecting in the regular season.
21:09You're just not going to get in the playoffs.
21:11Westbrook inside.
21:12Heard a slap there.
21:14And the Clippers surround him.
21:18And that was to your point Brian.
21:20The calls are different this time of year.
21:22There's a little floater by James Harden.
21:24He needed that one.
21:25Needed to see one go through his first made basket.
21:28And Jokic wanted that charge call.
21:30And didn't get it.
21:31Seems like the Nuggets are dominating here.
21:37It's a six point game.
21:38Yeah.
21:39For the Clippers if they can take care of the ball.
21:41And make Denver play against their half court defense.
21:46They've got a great chance to win this game.
21:48But if Denver's going to be out in transition.
21:50Could be a long night.
21:52There's Jones now from the corner.
21:54Lefty misses it.
21:55Already five turnovers for the Clippers.
21:58They have 20 turnovers.
22:0018 of those came in the last three quarters plus overtime in game one.
22:06This is a team that won 18 of their last 21 games.
22:10And really protected the ball in that winning streak.
22:13Including winning the last eight games.
22:15Jokic somehow gets it to Westbrook.
22:18And Westbrook misses once again.
22:20And that's going to take us to the end of the first quarter.
22:24Denver impressive start at home.
22:27Trying to go up 2-0 in this best of seven series.
22:31What a matchup Denver and the Clippers.
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22:56A moment ago, Avica Zubac with Lauren Jabara.
23:00Avica, 12 fast break points there for the Nuggets in the first quarter.
23:03How do you slow them down in transition?
23:05No turnovers.
23:07Get back on raise of the shot.
23:09Match up.
23:10Talk.
23:11We just got to take care of the ball.
23:12That's what they do.
23:13They run.
23:14They get easy transition points.
23:16I know you told me this morning there's not many guys you take over Kawhi Leonard in a playoff series.
23:20What do you see from him in that first quarter?
23:2212 points.
23:23Just being aggressive.
23:24I don't think there's one guy on that floor that can guard him.
23:27And just being aggressive, taking his time, finding his spots, and getting to his bread and butter.
23:33Avica, appreciate the time.
23:36Well, you can see how windy Avica Zubac is trying to guard Nikola Jokic.
23:43Very professional.
23:45Finished that interview off.
23:46But he is gassed.
23:47And that's kind of the tie loose point with us before the game.
23:50You know, it sounds right in theory to match him up with Jokic.
23:55Jokic is a handful though.
23:57Zubac having his career year.
24:00And, Lauren, I know you had a chance to visit with Zubac, not just between the timeouts here, but earlier today.
24:06Yeah, at shoot around I got the chance to talk to them and I said, what works defensively against Nikola Jokic that you do?
24:12He goes, well, I don't really know if it works, but I just want to make him work a little harder for everything.
24:16Make all of his shots harder, contest everything.
24:19He plays super hard every possession, so I try to outrun and outwork him and make it as physical as possible.
24:24He said, the physicality that he plays with, I can play like that as well.
24:28So I try to make everything harder and tougher for him.
24:31Hopefully it will work here in game two.
24:32Well, the numbers back it up too.
24:34You can understand why, if you just go on numbers coach, Zubac against Jokic.
24:39I mean, he's held him when they've matched up one on one.
24:42And that's been the primary matchup into the mid forties for field goal percentage.
24:47That's among the best in the NBA, but he's a lot to deal with.
24:52Well, and Zubac finally starting to get his due here this year.
24:57I had him on my all NBA ballot.
25:00Yeah.
25:01Thirteen.
25:02And you look already tonight.
25:03He's only played nine minutes.
25:05Eight point six rebounds already.
25:08Four for five from the floor.
25:10One of the best rebounders in the league.
25:14One of the best field goal percentages in the league.
25:19Two bots a finalist for most improved player this year.
25:24As Kawhi Leonard take it on Watson around and down it goes.
25:28Kawhi has not missed.
25:30Six for six.
25:32Fourteen points.
25:34His first basket of the second quarter.
25:38DeAndre Jordan gets a run here in the second quarter.
25:41He did not play in game one and Denver turns it over.
25:46Second window playing time for Murray.
25:48And the Clippers go aggressively back down the floor.
25:52Quarter loss that went out of bounds.
25:54Well, again, that's another example of what you're talking about, Brian.
25:58Derrick Jones Jr. going to the rim just expecting to get a call and he didn't.
26:05Furious pace here for both of these teams.
26:08Trying to push it whenever they can.
26:11Here's Batum.
26:12Catch and shoot comes up short.
26:14And Murray tips it over to Watson.
26:17Batum, one of the best three point shooters in the league this year.
26:21Sixth in the league.
26:22Made three the other night.
26:24And the Nuggets now just turning the ball over.
26:27Nice finish by Jones.
26:30A high flyer.
26:31And look at that Clipper bench.
26:32They tie the score.
26:34Come out in this second quarter.
26:36Re-establish themselves.
26:38All even at 31.
26:40The Clippers in transition.
26:46Numbers are drastic.
26:47And Denver has not scored in this second quarter with him on the bench.
26:50No, right.
26:51It's 6-0 already in just over two minutes.
26:55They were minus eight in the seven minutes he was on the bench the other night.
27:01With Nikola Jokic on the floor, this is a very good team.
27:04When he goes to the bench, this has been a very bad team.
27:07It's that simple.
27:09And right now, in less than 10 minutes in this series, the Nuggets are minus 14 with Jokic on the bench.
27:17Here's Michael Porter Jr.
27:18First bucket of the second quarter.
27:21Gives Denver the lead.
27:22Porter Jr. off to a much better start here in game two.
27:27He's got nine on the board in his first 11 minutes.
27:31He's been a disruptor defensively as well.
27:34Has a steal.
27:38Kawhi Leonard has not missed.
27:40Six for six.
27:4114 points.
27:42Ducks his shoulder and Watson defending.
27:45Fantastic defense here by Peyton Watson.
27:51And this is why he's really on the floor.
27:53Look at him move his feet.
27:55Gets the ball cleanly and just comes out of bounds with it.
27:58But great defense against a great offensive player.
28:02Five to shoot here for the Clippers.
28:04Bogdanovich got to go.
28:05And he misses.
28:06Bogdanovich is 0 for 4.
28:09Here's Porter.
28:10Thought about it.
28:11Well he was 0 for 3 the other night.
28:13So he's 0 for 7 in the series.
28:15They need him to get going.
28:17Porter drives.
28:18Little Euro step.
28:19Zubat's a major presence defensively.
28:23Kawhi Leonard's going to pull from 3.
28:26In and out.
28:27That's his first miss.
28:28Watson secures the rebound.
28:30Well the Clippers 2 for 12 from 3.
28:32This team led the NBA in 3 point percentage in the last 21 games of the year.
28:38At 43 percent.
28:40And just have not been able to get anything to go down here tonight.
28:43Watson runs into a wall.
28:45Porter gets the offensive board.
28:47Can't put it back.
28:48Now the Clippers 0 for their last 9 after they knocked down 2 of their first 3 3 pointers.
28:55Again one and done.
28:57DeAndre Jordan with the rebound.
28:59Jamal Murray dancing.
29:01Murray for 3.
29:02Murray.
29:03He may be under the weather.
29:04But Jamal Murray's made for the postseason.
29:05He sure is.
29:06And this is a guy who's.
29:07Consistently stepped up at this time of the year.
29:08Second made 3 for Murray.
29:09He's got 10.
29:10Batum's got that quick release.
29:11And he rattles one home.
29:12Well we said.
29:13Sixth leading 3 point shooter.
29:14In the league this year.
29:15Nick Batum 43 percent.
29:16Denver turned it over on their first 3 possessions.
29:18Clippers tied it at 31.
29:19Denver up 3 with a ball.
29:20And Jokic.
29:21And Jokic.
29:22And Jokic.
29:23And Jokic.
29:24And Jokic.
29:25And Jokic.
29:26And Jokic.
29:27And Jokic.
29:28And Jokic.
29:29And Jokic have been able to go for the swing.
29:30And Jokic.
29:31And Jokic.
29:32And Jokic.
29:33And Jokic.
29:34And Jokic.
29:35And Jokic's on the pitchfury high.
29:36but he has become a huge signlar 16.
29:37Saint.
29:38First two.
29:39Stan.
29:40agree.
29:41And he's a great wide wide shooter.
29:42And now he's not just this treble.
29:43We're going.
29:44Because his strike really catching vez off.
29:45The 8 or.
29:46Major.
29:47unseen Jones out the road.
29:48The first time he'sodle out of.
29:49Guar ל.
29:50The first time he disguised the big Indiana throw.
29:51In the hexagon-film team.
29:52Francis.
29:53Yeah.
29:54Now we are so much more for me.
29:56Yeah.
29:57And Bogdanovich holds his ground, forces the turnover.
30:04Hey, you can watch hit shows like Up at Adams with Kay Adams.
30:08Run it back, featuring Lou Williams, Chandler Parsons, and our pal Michelle Beadle.
30:13That's on FanDuel TV, free on all your favorite devices.
30:17Well, look, the Clippers had the problem the other day with 20 turnovers.
30:21Denver now struggling with eight, already four in this quarter in less than five minutes.
30:28Zubats gets it deep with Brown on him, and a foul is going to put Zubats at the line.
30:34So I didn't mean to pass over Brown and Zubats on the on-off numbers.
30:40I'm going to give the honorable mention to Brown for attaching his minutes to Jokic.
30:43And they just came back in again together.
30:46But Zubats, that has been a story for the Clippers.
30:49He's been terrific.
30:50Yeah, his season has been a little bit overlooked, and he got better as time went on.
30:55Those last 21 games of the year when they were 18-3, most of the credit went to Harden and Leonard, who were both great.
31:03But Zubats, in that time, averaged 19 and a half points and 13 rebounds and shot 64% from the floor.
31:12Zubats hits him both career highs and points and rebounds and minutes this year.
31:2047th career playoff game for Zubats.
31:23He's just getting better and better in his ninth season.
31:26Matching up with Jokic.
31:30Jokic and Murray.
31:32Murray looking for help.
31:33Finds Gordon.
31:34All the attention to Jokic and Murray.
31:37And Gordon wide open in the dunker spot.
31:39Well, Murray's not only increased his scoring in playoff times over his career,
31:46but his assists also averages fewer than five in the regular season and over six in the playoffs.
31:53Brown behind the back.
31:55Powell defending there.
31:56Almost got the turnover.
31:58And Brown able to get a step.
32:01Murray.
32:02Guarded by Dunn.
32:03Dunn, a premium defender out on the perimeter.
32:08Murray and Jokic.
32:10Murray leaves it for Jokic.
32:12Quick release around and out it goes on a foul and Jokic will shoot a pair.
32:22No, they're saying on the side.
32:24Yeah, saying side out.
32:25Saying that they held him.
32:29Got crossmatched with Dunn.
32:31Yeah, I don't know about that.
32:33I don't know why that's not a bust.
32:36Foul is called on Dunn, by the way.
32:39For a fresh 14 here.
32:42Halfway point of the second quarter.
32:44Very entertaining.
32:44Game two already.
32:46And it was the best game one of this NBA playoffs.
32:51And with 1.7 on the shot clock, Powell fouls Jamal Murray.
32:58That's interesting.
33:00There's so much contact allowed in the games that when you see a call like that,
33:05you're actually a little surprised in the playoffs.
33:08That certainly was a regular season foul, but it hasn't been a foul most of the time in the playoffs,
33:15so I'm a little surprised.
33:16Michael Porter Jr. will exit.
33:20Nine points for Porter.
33:22Well, this is the lineup that finished the game the other night for the Nuggets.
33:27Westbrook versus Porter is the decision for David Adelman.
33:33Here's Murray.
33:34Shakes Dunn.
33:35Comes up short.
33:36Brown runs down.
33:37The bouncing rebound.
33:40Jokic.
33:41Pulls Zubat out.
33:43Westbrook.
33:44Never afraid.
33:45Westbrook.
33:47The corner three.
33:48Westbrook picks up Powell.
33:57Six main threes for the Nuggets.
33:59And they made half of their three-pointers.
34:02Big story early.
34:03They lead it by six.
34:06Zubat.
34:07And Westbrook with the strip.
34:10Westbrook leaves it for Gordon.
34:13Gordon finds Westbrook.
34:14Reset.
34:15Mid-range jumper.
34:16In and out.
34:17Wall Arena was ready to pop.
34:23Westbrook, the former Clipper, last year.
34:25A couple of seasons with the Clippers.
34:27Dunn wide open in the corner.
34:29And he can't hit.
34:30Gordon the rebound.
34:31Denver pushes.
34:34Murray probes.
34:35Murray missed it.
34:36Good defense by Harden.
34:38They did a great job getting back there.
34:40Made Denver take a tough shot.
34:42And they run it right back at him.
34:44And hit the three.
34:45It happens so often.
34:47Missed layup.
34:48Leading to a three the other way.
34:52Nuggets.
34:56James.
34:57James.
34:58James.
34:58You got Russ.
35:00You got Gordon.
35:02Up, Zub.
35:05Switch it.
35:07James, get up.
35:08Hey, most important part of that whole thing, don't leak out.
35:15We got to hit the glass together, then we run.
35:17All right.
35:18Let's go.
35:19Let's run.
35:20Watch it, Mike.
35:24State Farm audio assist from these two head coaches.
35:26David Adelman coaching his second ever playoff game.
35:30This is just his fifth game overall.
35:34Remember, he picked up the squad from Michael Malone, the interim head coach.
35:39Take it over for Malone, who had been here a decade.
35:41Took him to a championship.
35:43And has not lost a game as Gordon is fouled on a putback.
35:46Offensive rebound at a bucket.
35:49And Aaron Gordon a chance at a three-point play.
35:52You're not going to give Westbrook an assist on this, VA?
35:55I think that was a lob.
35:58Let's give Russ an assist instead of two for seven from the floor.
36:04Shots on goal are important.
36:06Actually, the possession game for Denver was a big part of their success in game one,
36:11that overtime win.
36:12But a lot more bites at the apple, both from the field and from the line.
36:17Yeah, that was, to me, was the big difference in that game.
36:22They got 90, you know, they got eight more field goal attempts
36:27and 11 more free throw attempts in the game
36:29because of the Clippers' 20 turnovers as they come and double Kawhi.
36:35Not going to let him isolate on Michael Porter Jr.
36:37Leonard's had a big first half.
36:39Late clock here.
36:40Powell trying to turn the corner.
36:41Does so.
36:43Kawhi's got to put it up.
36:44And just gets it off and hits again.
36:47What a shooting clinic Kawhi Leonard is putting on right now.
36:5216 for Leonard.
36:54Jokic with Zubat on it.
36:58340 left and Dunn gets the strip.
37:01That's just a great defensive job by Dunn.
37:05James Harden goes vintage.
37:07And just like that, the Clippers
37:08making a little run at the end of this second quarter.
37:13Remember, it was Denver who went on a 13-2 run
37:16at the end of the first half in game one.
37:19Clippers trying to return the favor here.
37:21Now L.A. can take the lead.
37:23And Kawhi with the run out.
37:25Looking 23, not 33.
37:28And a 7-0 Clipper run has him in front.
37:32Kawhi Leonard with 16 already on only eight shot attempts.
37:37Jokic, double-team.
37:41Brown, double-team.
37:43Porter fires a three.
37:46Clippers look like they have seven guys on defense right now.
37:49They're moving well.
37:50Well, they were the third-best defense in the league
37:52during the year.
37:54Two-bots bounces one to Dunn, runs into a wall.
38:00Again, clock gets late, Powell.
38:02No, and a whistle.
38:05It's going to be a foul on the elbow, says Mark Davis.
38:10And a shooting foul for Norman Powell.
38:13Aaron Gordon may be hurting, as we've seen him standing there.
38:19He's had problems with that calf.
38:28So Powell at the line wants a reset.
38:33Aaron Gordon's been dealing with that calf injury.
38:36Cost him some time.
38:37He's wearing that protective sleeve on that right calf.
38:43Gordon missed 31 games.
38:46I mean, when you look at totality of the Denver season,
38:48and, yes, they finished in the fourth spot.
38:51They were 50-32.
38:52They played a good chunk of the season without Gordon.
38:56Extremely versatile player.
38:57A big part of their championship run.
39:00Jamal Murray missed significant time as well,
39:03especially late in the season in April
39:06when he missed those six games.
39:10Well, Jokic missed 12 games,
39:11and they went 4-8 without him,
39:14which is actually surprising
39:15that they were able to win four without him.
39:18Most surprising coaching change you could possibly have.
39:21Not just Michael Malone either,
39:22but Calvin Booth, the general manager,
39:24also relieved of his duties.
39:27Jokic spins and finds Westbrook.
39:29What a connection.
39:30Jokic, the maestro,
39:33able to set up Westbrook.
39:34They came and tried to get a second defender at him
39:38as he spun,
39:39and he's able to make that play.
39:40That's a point guard play.
39:42Yeah, five assists for Jokic.
39:44Has just five points,
39:45but he is playmaking.
39:47See how they load up against Gwai Leonard's ice
39:50to bring an extra defender over.
39:52Late clock,
39:53Harden cans a three.
39:56Falls to the ground,
39:57looking for the and one.
39:59That's not going to fly in the playoffs right now,
40:01but it does give the Clippers a three-point lead.
40:04James Harden's starting to heat up now.
40:07He's got eight points.
40:09Jokic set up for three,
40:11and he's got it.
40:15Well, when the Nuggets get in trouble,
40:18that's their go-to.
40:20The two-man game with Murray and Jokic,
40:23probably the best two-man game in this league,
40:28particularly in the postseason
40:30over the last five or six years.
40:33David Adelman had it best.
40:34He said,
40:35it's great coaching when you just say,
40:36get the ball to Jokic
40:37when we need a basket.
40:39That is great coaching.
40:41Harden dancing with Murray.
40:43Lost the handle.
40:44Saved by Dunn.
40:46Won to shoot Harden
40:47with the little floater,
40:48and it goes.
40:50Boy, Chris Dunn saves the possession,
40:53and the Clippers are back in front.
40:55Chris Dunn,
40:58a couple of steals,
40:59four rebounds in that play.
41:05Murray left open,
41:07and Murray hits a long two.
41:11A little confusion there.
41:13I think Powell was expecting a switch
41:16and just didn't keep pursuing on Murray,
41:20able to get space and knock it down.
41:22Harden's going to let it fly.
41:23No good.
41:24Westbrook flying high for the rebound.
41:28Five seconds separating shot clock
41:30and game clock.
41:32Murray gasping for air right now.
41:34There's a lot of guys gasping for air
41:36right now, though.
41:38Dunn picks up Murray.
41:40Now Gordon comes to get him.
41:41Murray finds Jokic.
41:43Win in doubt.
41:44Four to shoot.
41:45Jokic pulls a three.
41:47In and out it goes.
41:48Dunn.
41:49Clippers want to push.
41:50Can get the last shot up here.
41:51Kawhi Leonard takes a peek.
41:53Let's it fly.
41:54Got it!
41:55Kawhi gives the Clippers the lead.
41:59What a shooting performance by Leonard in the first half.
42:03Nine of ten.
42:04Twenty-one first half points for the claw.
42:08Well, this is incredible.
42:10You can't get a better contest on that.
42:12He's got to lean away from Christian Brown.
42:15He's got three guys around him.
42:17Just rises up and knocks it down.
42:20Vintage Kawhi Leonard.
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42:37At the half.
42:37And then come you back from Ball Arena in downtown Denver.
42:40Brian Anderson with Stan Van Gundy.
42:42And Stan, very interesting first half.
42:44Went back and forth.
42:45The Clippers finally started to shoot the ball a little bit better.
42:49And they end up with a three-point lead as we get ready for half number two.
42:55First-half check-in is presented by Allstate.
42:57Well, you can see how even it is.
42:59You see the field goal percentage.
43:02The three-point shots.
43:03Clippers did make four of their last five threes.
43:06Both teams having trouble taking care of the ball.
43:08I'm sure that was a major offensive focus at halftime.
43:13Kawhi Leonard leads all scorers with 21.
43:15And Lauren Jabara, I'm sure Kawhi Leonard was part of the discussion
43:19at the half for the Nuggets.
43:20He definitely was.
43:21Ryan Saunders, Nuggets assistant coach, says we have to show him bodies.
43:25We have to be physical against him and give him different looks.
43:28Slow him down.
43:29But the biggest thing is taking care of the basketball.
43:32He said in the second half, we want to compete.
43:34Get our shots up every single possession.
43:37He said late in the half, Harden was getting going a little bit.
43:39So we need to slow him down, too.
43:41But in terms of just getting our physicality, going to get shots up every possession.
43:46Thank you, Lauren.
43:47And right away, they get this crowd on their feet in this third quarter
43:51as Gordon on the receiving end from Jokic.
43:54Well, we've seen that a lot.
43:56Again, Jokic handling on the pick and roll.
43:59How many sinners in the history of the NBA can make that pass off the dribble on a pick and roll?
44:06Same starting fives on the floor to start this second half.
44:09Zubac keeps that one alive.
44:11And another chance here is done wide open.
44:14He's going to find himself open a lot.
44:16He did knock down a three in the first quarter.
44:19Hit two threes in game one.
44:22Jokic now 8.6 assists and four rebounds.
44:25Gordon just bowls his way in and scores on Powell and the Nuggets in front.
44:33There was very little resistance there from Norman Powell.
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