Clippers star Paul George attempted to dismiss the pressure narrative, claiming they were in control even after blowing a 3-1 lead with a decisive Game 7 looming.
“We’re still in the driver’s seat,” George said after Game 6. “It’s not a panic mode.”
The Nuggets had proven they were capable of defying the odds and advancing despite a 3-1 deficit, doing it in the first round against the Utah Jazz. Considering there’s no home-court advantage in the bubble, George’s remark was a bit of a head-scratcher.
The Clippers are arguably the most talented team from top to bottom, but their chemistry was among the worst of the bubble teams. They could never find the relaxed calm to persevere and perform. And it was proven throughout the series, punctuated by an embarrassing display in which the Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to overcome two 3-1 series deficits in the same postseason and advance, ousting the Clippers with a 104-89 win Tuesday night.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray outscored Kawhi Leonard and George 40-24 in Game 7. Leonard finished with 14 points on 6-of-22 shooting, and George shot 4-of-16 for 10 points. The Clippers scored 33 points in the second half and didn’t convert a fourth quarter field goal until there was just 4:58 left.