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Lakers vs Nuggets: Introducing 3 key role players on Denver

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 13: Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts with Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 13: Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts with Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The Denver Nuggets have more than just their stars to throw at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have been the most prolific duo in Denver Nuggets history since Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony. Now, we introduce Lake Show Life to the other guys in the starting lineup: Paul Millsap, Jerami Grant, and Gary Harris. 

I am very surprised about the Los Angeles Clippers blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets. I should not have been. Their attitude bordered on dispassionate all season long. In the bubble, even more so: several pundits have already excoriated the Clippers for their atrocious performance. I will skip all of Game 7’s talking points and just say Denver wanted it more.

Give Denver credit, instead. They outhustled, outworked, and outdreamed the Clippers. It was inspiring to see Denver celebrate in their locker room after the game. They became the first team in NBA history to ever achieve coming back from consecutive 3-1 deficits. Only Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals achieved the same feat in 1985 on their way to winning the World Series.

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic deserve the lion’s share of the credit. Murray especially. He outscored Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Lou Williams combined. Just enjoy this majestic rainbow shot from Daytona Beach!

Jokic had 16 points, 22 rebounds, and 13 assists. I was completely stunned by his defense though, staying in front of Kawhi Leonard late in the game with ease. The weight loss bolstered his endurance and footwork.

Of course, there are five players allowed on the court per team. Denver’s other three starters were crucial to their success. Paul Millsap, Jerami Grant, and Gary Harris all deserve credit for their exemplary play on both ends. Here is how the unsung trio changed the series. And how they will affect the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers-Denver Nuggets series.

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