“He did what he’s been doing,” Nuggets interim coach David Adelman stated. “We tried to be somewhat extra conservative as soon as he crossed half-court within the protection. However then it was on Christian to get by screens and get again in entrance of him, to keep up our protection.”
For Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, it was a tough forty eighth birthday. His group trailed by double digits at halftime and fell behind by 35 factors within the fourth quarter.
“Powerful loss. Not taking part in our greatest recreation in a scenario like this, a number of feelings,” Lue stated. “I advised guys to carry it in, one final hug.”
They’ll take solace in the truth that Kawhi Leonard heads into the offseason as wholesome as he is been shortly. He did not make his season debut till Jan. 4 as a consequence of points together with his surgically repaired proper knee. Harden held issues down till Leonard’s return, which Lue applauded.
The Clippers entered the postseason because the league’s hottest group, having received 18 of 21, and Lue was already trying previous the frustration.
“These two collectively for a complete season, I believe might be great,” Lue stated.
Harden, although, turns 36 in August and Leonard turns 34 subsequent month. Is there a degree of encouragement the Clippers can proceed to construct round them?
“I suppose we’re nonetheless taking part in at a excessive degree in a way,” Leonard stated. “It’ a tough query to reply proper now.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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