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2020 NBA Playoffs: Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5 preview and game thread

A chance to make history

LA Clippers v Denver Nuggets - Game Four Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

The Clippers have a chance to make history today, as a win will advance them to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

As well all know, a 3-1 lead isn’t necessarily safe. The Clippers learned the hard way back in 2015 when they lost three straight to the Rockets in the second round. Denver knows that too, as they’re coming off a 3-1 series comeback against the Utah Jazz in the first round.

Game Information

Where: AdventHealth Arena, Orlando, Florida

When: Wednesday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m. PT

How to watch: TNT

Projected Starting Lineups

Clippers: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac

Nuggets: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic

Injuries/Absences

Clippers: None

Nuggets: Will Barton (right knee), Vlatko Cancar (left foot) — OUT


It’s truly been an interesting series through the first four games, to say the least. The Clippers absolutely dominated in Game 1, which was expected after Denver was coming off a seven-game battle against the Jazz. Game 2 was a different story, as the Nuggets exploded for 40+ points in the first quarter. However, through the remainder of the game, the Clippers were actually the better team as they outscored Denver by 10.

Most of Game 3 belonged to Denver, as they led majority of the way. Though, over the final six or so minutes of the fourth quarter, the Clippers locked things down on defense and hit clutch shot after clutch shot to win the game.

Game 4 was mostly dominated by the Clippers, but Denver made things interesting when they tied things in the third quarter. LA put it into second gear as they stretched their lead back to double digits to win the game.

With the Lakers also one win away from the WCF, a Clippers win today would give them rest until at least Tuesday when the next series could begin. As we’ve seen in the past, when the Clips have rest and have everyone healthy is when they’re at their absolute best.

Hopefully the Clippers can come out today and close this series.