Watch: Kawhi Leonard and John Wall erase WASHED claims with comeback poster slams over Zeke Nnaji
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Kawhi Leonard
At Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on Friday, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 115-103 to maintain their lead in the Western Conference with a five-game winning run. Due to a wrist injury, Nikola Jokic, the two-time defending NBA MVP, missed this game. Although the Nuggets were without a player who contributed 24.9 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, coach Michael Malone said the group stayed “connected” and showed remarkable tenacity in Los Angeles.
In his career, Michael Porter Jr.’s primary offensive responsibilities have been receiving the ball and making 3-pointers. On Friday night, he charged the paint far more frequently than normal and was 7-for-8 there. Zeke Nnaji grabbed six offensive rebounds for the Nuggets after coming off the bench.
Jamal Murray played his longest game of the season on Friday, clocking in at almost 40 minutes after recovering from an ACL tear in his left knee in 2021. Even though his score of 24 points didn’t look outstanding, he continued to fire jump shots from mid-range while focusing on Ivica Zubac. Each of Murray’s four triples came at a crucial juncture in the match.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points. Due to a hamstring injury, he was without his partner Paul George. John Wall scored 16 points, while John Powell contributed 18 off the bench. Zeke Nnaji of Denver was double-postered, first by Wall on a slam in the fourth and then by Leonard on a one-handed jam in the third. Both received loud applause.
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Although Kawhi Leonard is back in action, Nuggets still own the Clippers
Kawhi Leonard’s ability to control the tempo was back for the last month. His shooting has improved. His inventive play had drawn attention. For NBA experts, the final concern regarding his rehabilitation from a 2021 knee injury was whether or not his explosiveness would return. That checkbox was clearly checked on Friday night when Leonard dribbled into the paint while crouching to avoid Bones Hyland of Denver, and dunked on Nuggets center Zeke Nnaji. The play was so quick and powerful that it seemed to have come straight out of the 2021 playoffs.
Not answered Friday was the other question asked by NBA experts. Tyronn Lue’s rotation was altered, and it has benefited the Clippers. They have recovered some of their defensive stinginess. The last component? Whether or not they can match against the league’s top teams right away or in the postseason. Against Denver, they were unable to answer that question.
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Ishaan Tewari
(13 Articles Published)