The Clippers could have folded the case Friday night … but have therefore complicated the task by leaving the Nuggets to entertain the hope of a crazy comeback. A simple pebble in the shoe for some, for others a sign that some wounds are not closed. Come on, we close the shop tonight, just to avoid the stress of a Game 7?
The appointment is made for 7 p.m., what a wonderful time to watch the NBA. A goal for Kawhi Leonard and his family? Avoid a very uncomfortable Game 7 against the Nuggets who apparently do not know how to function other than by this means since their last three series of Playoffs went in seven. The odds are still very high for the Nuggets passed on two fingers correctional, still alive but more than ever in the skin of the underdogs. A role that suits them perfectly, however, and which Nikola Jokic and his family will try to enjoy again this evening after a Game 6 won with cunning, courage and a sense of timing.
What did the Clippers miss the day before yesterday? Certainly not from a leader (Kawhi was stratospheric and Paul George solid as well), but rather consistency and respect for the opponent. The respect that makes you press the accelerator at +15 and not the brake (hello LeBron), the respect that everyone gives you when you roll over the opponent in all circumstances (hello LeBron) and that conferred when you play on the field and shut it off (hello Pat Beverley). Obligation therefore to finish this evening for the men of Doc Rivers, under penalty of having to play Tuesday evening a Game 7 with a gigantic layer under the shorts. Especially since the Nuggets will arrive cheerfully, with “nothing to lose”, and with the sole objective of making one of the most shattering returns in the game in the history of the Playoffs.
So we’re still a long way from all that, and we will be even more so if the Clippers move a little bit tonight. Anything we can say for now? It is because we have a Game 6 of semi-finals of conf that awaits us, one Sunday, at 19h. And if with that you still dare to complain, we can do nothing for you.
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