I’m tired of writing about Clippers’ losses, but here we are. After these two heartbreaking losses against the Nuggets and Timberwolves, the Clippers are teetering on the precipice of the playoffs- currently the 7^th seed, but only 1.5 games from missing the play-in. It feels like the Nuggets have had our number since the bubble 2^nd round series. Remember the Marcus Morris/ Paul Millsap scuffle in Game 5 when the Clippers were up 16, which provided the necessary spark to overcome the deficit and instantiate the 3-1 comeback? I remember thinking “Marcus, don’t do that, don’t give them any ammunition or we’ll choke this game” (insert LeBron pathological lying meme).

 In all seriousness, they’ve beaten us the last 10 out of 12 outings, but this last one was the most embarrassing. I’ll address the Timberwolves loss soon enough, but this one deserves a vociferous harangue. I’m talking a total dismantling of this Clipper team- the game was over in the first quarter where the Clippers were held to 4-21 shooting from the field and 1-11 from three. The halftime score was 32-66 – Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Bones Hyland outscored the Clippers with 38. Murray went 5/6 from the field- quick shoutout to him for coming back to form so soon after the ACL tear.

The Nuggets have an extremely pronounced size advantage against the Clippers, super evident when they get Aaron Gordon on the low block with established position. AG is a big guy – 6’8 220. I’ve monitored his career closely as a part-time Magic fan. Every year, I’d tell myself “This is the year he breaks out”, his playstyle bearing resemblance to a young Blake Griffin in my opinion. With the Magic, he’d have the occasional 40 or 30 piece, but he’d finish the season with subpar efficiency. That has absolutely not been the case this season- he’s shooting 58.4% from the field (!). I think it’s a combination of the Nikola Jokic effect and him understanding how to utilize his physiological traits more advantageously. On the Magic, he’d play the point-forward, “Blake Griffinesque” role, having to create most of his shots with fadeaways. All those responsibilities have been abstracted away by the back-to-back (to-back?) MVP. Gordon has buttressed the defense for the Nuggets, which has been at-largely decent this season. You don’t hold a team like the Clippers to 32 at the half without good defense. Statistically, their defensive stats aren’t eye-popping (116.0 points per 100 possessions), but the eye-test shows their potential on that end. I hope Gordon gets the all-star nod this season- the Nuggets are the first seed.

There isn’t enough to be said about Nikola Jokic. I’m talking flirting with a triple double for the entire season, on top of some of the best efficiency and advanced statistics in NBA history. He’s shooting 68.7% TS% this season, which is his highest ever, along with a career high in assists at 9.5. There’s really no offensive flaw to his game. Next.

Michael Porter Jr’s return isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should be. Guy is a marksman while being 6’10 and able to elevate over anyone. He has missed his fair share of games this season, but come playoff time, he’ll be a great contributor. I distinctly recall him making tough shots at the right time during the Clippers series in the bubble.

Obviously, there’s two teams in a game, and this result was as much the Clippers subpar play as it is the Nuggets remarkable play. Paul George came out the gate with three quick threes, all of them off the mark. He was just throwing them up, and I know that’s like his bread and butter, and I love that (when he makes them), I honestly prefer a PG steadfast drive to rim and a finish through contact. I’m a firm believer in the fact that the way a team starts sets the tone for the rest of the game. Kawhi had an unenviable start as well – shot 2-7 for 6 points while George went for 3 on 1-9. I don’t even want to look at those splits. George made one three, a lucky bounce from the front iron. The J isn’t working right now man, just drive it. That’s my frustration speaking- George is coming off a sore hamstring, and the energy required to get past athletic defenders consistently might be better saved for the playoffs. Plus, he’s 32, Kawhi’s 31- there’s no shame in settling for a jumper at that age.

Maybe I’m just making excuses for my team. The Nuggets are a well-oiled machine and paint a clear mismatch for the Clippers. I don’t want to jump ship immediately and claim irrevocable changes are needed, but something has to. Maybe playing younger players more like Terrence Mann, Amir Coffey, Brandon Boston Jr, etc., more to offset the youth and vigor of the Nuggets.

The Timberwolves game was so lame. Kawhi and PG didn’t play, and we got the Rudy Gobert masterclass. I don’t even want to analyze it. The game ended 115-128, with the game essentially decided at the end of the third. I will commend Norman Powell for consistently pouring in points at solid efficiency (only player with 20+ points this game). Zubac played decently, and I think the non-Zubac minutes for the Clippers have been reprehensible, this claim bolstered by his positive +/-. If I’m Ty Lue, I would consider playing him extended minutes and sliding Powell to the starting lineup. Powell is a more dynamic and athletic offensive player than Morris, and his play could prevent some of the scoring droughts that are known to plague the Clippers the start of games. The Gobert trade was the talk of the town this offseason, and I don’t know if it’s really paying off, excluding this game. They’re the 11^th seed while adding Gobert and with D’angelo Russell having his most efficient season yet. It’s hard to say where they go from here- maybe trading Towns and going full-throttle on building around Edwards (?).

All and all, the Clippers aren’t doing well right now, but I’m still a fan and I know they’re poised for a bounce-back victory and like a 5-7 game win-streak. I know there’s no point in dwelling on the past, but if the Clippers won their past 5 games, they’d be 26-15- good enough for the 3^rd seed. That’s the nature of the NBA- consistency is key. I’m not irked at the load management thus far, but the schedule’s only getting more rigorous. Hawks tomorrow, need this win.