Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets may finally be what fans have been waiting for. The once young team out of the West is now starting to look like the most formidable force in the NBA.
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The Mile High city currently sits atop their conference, with a record of 25-13, along with 8-2 in their last 10 games. But, despite their current standing, the West has been intensely close, making every game matter.
So, when this team came up on a matchup against the highly touted Clippers, an already big game became a massive one.
But, just 24 minutes into the contest some history was made. And it wasn’t the flattering kind for Kawhi Leonard and the crew.
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Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets match the highest half-time lead in their history
The Denver Nuggets have been having their best season in a long, long time. So, it makes sense that this is also the season where they repeat one of their greatest ever moments as a team.
Take a look at the tweet below.
The Nuggets led the Clippers by 34 points at halftime, tied for the Nuggets’ largest halftime lead in their NBA history (since 1976-77).
Denver also led by 34 points at halftime against the Jazz on Nov. 27, 1996. pic.twitter.com/9KazpVKNyT
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 6, 2023
That is beyond impressive. And the fact that it didn’t come against a lottery team such as the Hornets, but against the Celtics only adds to the wonder of the achievement.
But, speaking of Kawhi Leonard and his crew, where in the world does this loss leave them?
Kawhi Leonard and co needed this loss?
Humiliation through one’s own incompetence can often be a wake-up call. And this needs to be the one for the Clippers, and very specifically, Kawhi Leonard.
The lesser-celebrated team of LA has played 40 games. That’s almost half the season.
How many games has Leonard played? 16.
In comparison, Paul George has managed to play 29 games, while John Wall has played 30.
The Clippers have a strong squad, there is no doubt about that.
However, if Kawhi Leonard was expecting to get lazy during the regular season before winning in the playoffs, he needs to remember one thing.
That’s not how it plays out in the NBA very often.
This is the time to build up chemistry with teammates. Not an extension of the offseason.