The Denver Nuggets couldn’t help but feel the uneasy sensation of deja vu as they entered another high-pressure Game 7 in the Western Conference playoffs.
Just a year ago, they squandered a 20-point lead in the Western Conference semifinals against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves — a collapse that still lingers in Nuggets fans’ minds as one of the more painful playoff exits in recent memory.
This time, while the opponent was different, the stakes were just as high.
However, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets were not about to let history repeat itself.
With a dominant 120-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Nuggets put to rest any doubts about their ability to close out a series. Though Jokić didn’t deliver one of his signature monster statlines — finishing with just 16 points — the victory was defined by Denver’s supporting cast.
The Nuggets had six players in double-figure scoring, and their scoring onslaught to open the third quarter essentially ended the Clippers’ hopes. A 15-0 run to open the second half turned a relatively close game into a rout and reminded the league that the Nuggets are still a formidable force in the West.
Jokić Reflects on Last Year’s Game 7 Meltdown and Chooses to Look Forward
After the game, Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson asked Jokić about last year’s collapse and whether it weighed on him.
“I don’t think about failures,” said the former MVP. “I don’t think about something that happened one year ago. My whole focus, my whole energy was today. This moment, to be present and try to beat a really, really, really talented team.”
"I don't think about failures" 💯
Jokić tells the Fellas he doesn't worry about last year's exit after Denver's Game 7 win tonight pic.twitter.com/HBvgiTSZOW
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT)
Jokić and the Nuggets don’t have much time for reflection, however. Looking ahead, the Nuggets have just one day of rest before turning their attention to top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, a young and fast-paced squad that has had plenty of rest after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1.
Jokić knows all too well the toughness of the young team led by fellow MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“They’re definitely a very scary team on both ends,” said Jokić. “Everything they do is very hard, very full-speed. Hopefully, we can match them and even exceed them.”
While Jokić didn’t have his best performance scoring-wise against the Clippers in Game 7, the margin for error in the Oklahoma City matchup will be even more nonexistent. The Thunder boast a deep roster that has consistently proved itself in the regular season, and the big matchup between Chet Holmgren and Jokić will be one to watch.
The Round 2 OKC-Nuggets series is set to kick off on Monday, May 5 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
