Roscoe Sheed wrote:It seems like the Clippers got intimidated (the dust up) or demoralized after game 4 or perhaps Denver just woke up. The Clippers have basically let go of the rope ever since. I just want to see some desperation and fight the entire game. Of course, I hope they win, but I can be satisfied with a full effort all 48 minutes.
I'm just worried that if the game is close in the end, Murray, Jokic, Gordon, and MPJ will hit clutch shots while the Clippers muddle around for 15-20 seconds doing basically nothing and then heaving up desperation shots- we have seen that many times before and I sadly suspect that is what will happen tonight.
I'm pondering going to the game as I live less than 3 miles away, but it kind of feels like I would be purchasing tickets to a funeral.
Game 2 - Kawhi took control. Didn't want to go home down 0-2.
Game 3 - Kawhi let role players step up in front of home crowd
Game 4 - Kawhi took same approach as Game 3, but the role players didn't help. Dunn and Batum shot 2-15 (13%) while taking 17% of the teams shots. Combine that with Denver not wanting to go down 1-3.
Game 5 - Denver came out blazing wanting to ensure they keep HCA for any potential Game 7. Their 6 additional 3s made and our 10 missed FTs were a big difference.
Game 1 we hit 3 more 3s than them, but took 11 less FTs.
Game 2 we made 1 more 3, but they took 10 more FTs.
Game 3 we had more 3s made and FTs attempted
Game 4 we were basically even with them
Game 5 was their Game 3.
I expect things to be more along the lines of Game 2 tonight. Kawhi has to step up with the season on the line. I could care less if Harden plays. If he does, he can't hurt us with bad shots. Kawhi will give him teammates very little room to step up. If the role players play desperate and liek their season is on the line, then Kawhi can do just enough. If his teammates aren't up to the challenge, then he will have to take it upon himself to extend the season.
