Doc Rivers Cites Lack Of Defense And Denver Nuggets’ Aggression In Recent Loss

The Los Angeles Clippers blew a 16-point lead at halftime in game six of their series against the Denver Nuggets. For Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, he cites the lack of defense and the increased aggressive pace of the Nuggets to this outcome.

"There's no secret like potion that something happened," Rivers said by way of ESPN.

It has been two consecutive games for the Clippers where they blew big leads against the Nuggets. This has forced the series to go to a deciding game seven where the winner will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

"The two things that we didn't do, clearly defensively, they shot almost 60% in the second half. The one thing that did stand out, they went to the free-throw line like on every play."

The Nuggets overall shot 54.1% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc.

"I think from the time when Murray went down with that injury," Rivers added.

The hard-hitting play of the Nuggets kept them within the game and eventually propelled them to take over the matchup.

"I think that's human nature. You see a guy go down, there's no call on the play, and then the next thing you know you're at the free-throw line. And give Denver credit because they understood that and they started being aggressive," Rivers continued.

The Clippers and Nuggets attempted more free throws overall with 27, but it was Denver’s increased pace in the second half that gave them the victory.

Moving forward to game seven, the Clippers are facing a red hot Nuggets squad who are looking to make history in the NBA. If Denver wins, they will be the first team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit twice in a single postseason.

"There's nothing secret or magical," Rivers shared about his thoughts in the upcoming deciding game.

The Nuggets have been making several comebacks on multiple occasions in this year's playoffs. Even before the back-to-back victories in this series, Denver has proven already before that they’re comfortable with the pressure. This was evident when they saved their season and went on a 64-36 run against the Utah Jazz in game five of the opening series to overcome a 15-point deficit.

"It's about playing basketball, manning up, moving the ball, doing all the things that we can do," Rivers concluded.

It will be interesting to see if the Clippers can overcome the surging Nuggets or if Denver can pull off another historic comeback.