Game 1, Round 1 : Los Angeles Clippers #5 @ Denver Nuggets #4 (0-0)

[THE J0KER]

Both teams finished with 50-32 regular season, but in April and March, the finally healthy Clippers are league's TOP5 team with 18-5 record while the Nuggets are just 11-11 (which cost Malone's job). But luckily Denver have home court advantage.

Clippers led by Harden are a better team for this playoff than in 2024 despite losing Paul George, because Powell and Zubac improved significantly and from out of the TOP100 players became close to the TOP50 players this season, while Leonard became healthy and in all-star shape just in time this spring.

Jokic has a career-best season, Braun improved significantly, and we have a better coach (but who does not have enough games as head coach), while Murray's health is questionable, so we are in a similar position like in 2024 where we should reach big final (and probably lost vs Celtics) if we not lost unluckily that game-7 vs Wolves.

[skywalker33]

Agreed with The Joker that LAC looks like a better playoff team than last year, but the Nuggets have a BIG size advantage in the front-court that they must take advantage of this series. Moving Harden to the point was a very smart move, but putting 6'5 Powell at the SF will give MPJ a chance to take over a few qtrs (I'd love to say GAMES, but we'll have to wait and see there). Zubac is a good defender on Jokic but they'll be no stopping him in the playoffs. The matchup that'll be of interest is Dunn vs Jamal. Dunn is a physical defender, can Murray go his normal supernova persona in this matchup ?? And does CB take his defense up a notch vs. a 35-yo Harden ??

Feels like the best playoff matchup for the Good Guys, time to take them down.

Go Nuggets !

[NuggetsWY]

That losing streak sure put us in a tougher bracket. Oh well, I believe the Nuggets can win against anyone. As was said above, the Nuggets have the unbelievable Joker and if he decides to take over any period or game; he is certainly capable. If Kawhi is healthy, he'll certainly present a problem. But after so many injuries, even if they proclaim him healthy and play him; he is not the player he once was -- but he is still dangerous.

It's all about the two man game.
I think Skywalker33 hit the most important thing to focus on: Murray! Is he physically ready? We all know he can play through pain but it does hinder him. With his most likely defender being Dunn; I think Murray will make a big difference because he loves a challenge.

I do hope coach's offensive plan is to run Jokic-Murray two-man seven out of ten plays! Dunn switched on Jokic is a huge plus for Denver. Zubac trying to stop slow down catch up to Murray is just not possible. And if the Clippers decide to drop someone down to help; Jokic & Murray are excellent at hitting whoever is left open. Here's hoping Porter gets some extra 3's and Braun gets some nice dives to the basket -- we know that Gordon can hit a corner 3 or run the baseline.

P.S.
Let's not overlook Mr. Westbrook. His non-stop motor, leadership, attitude & defense, could make a difference. I look forward to seeing what he can do if he gets some matchups with Kawhi.

[TunaFish]

I have the Nuggets in six. Jokic is the best player in the world.

[NuggetsWY]

I have the Nuggets in six. Jokic is the best player in the world.

Hmmm, I think I like that -- especially because that means we'd close out in LA. Nothing against LA (well, I little ) but I'd like to see the Nuggets win a close out game on the road early in the playoffs.

I just saw Basketball Reference's projection giving the Nuggets a .7% chance to win a championship. I'd love to see them get another championship when so many don't believe. Jokic is capable of leading the Nuggets to a championship -- IF the rest of the team does reasonably well and it doesn't mean each player has to be great as long as they take turns on who's hot in any given game or quarter.

[THE J0KER]

In the last 10 playoffs series Denver is 5-0 when winning 1st game and 1-4 when lose it! This game is so important.

That said, one of the most famous Nuggets playoff comebacks in the Jokic era (and overall) comes from the 2020 "COVID" series vs Clippers in which the LA team took a 1-0 and 3-1 lead but the Nuggets won in 7!

[THE J0KER]

Very, very, very, very important win in such a tied match-up where home court advantage is our main advantage.

Players performed as expected, except MPJ and the Clippers' bench underperformed.

Who wins game#2 is the clear favorite to win the series.

Coach Malone & assistant Adelman < Coach Adelman & assistant Jokic

[skywalker33]

EXCELLENT WIN ! A bit closer than I'd like, as we really only held serve but the stage is set !