Los Angeles Clippers suffered an embarrassing loss to the Denver Nuggets in a recent game, despite the Nuggets missing three key players. The Clippers, who had recently acquired James Harden to bolster their chances in the Western Conference, started the game with a disappointing 0-5 record since the trade.
The Clippers were hoping to turn things around against a depleted Nuggets team without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. However, the Nuggets managed to secure a surprising victory, thanks in large part to the performance of two former Clippers players, Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan.
Jackson had a historic game, recording 35 points, 13 assists, and five rebounds. His shooting percentage was above 75% with fewer than three turnovers, making him the first player since 1978 to achieve such numbers. Jordan, who had played sparingly in recent years, also had an outstanding performance with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
The loss highlighted the issues the Clippers have been facing this season. Despite having high expectations and being considered contenders for a championship, they have struggled to find consistency. Their shooting performance against the Nuggets was underwhelming, as they only made 6 out of 20 three-point attempts. Even with the presence of James Harden, who had another underwhelming performance with just 11 points in 36 minutes, the Clippers failed to secure a win.
On the other hand, the Nuggets showcased their depth by defeating the Clippers without their star players. This raises concerns about the Clippers’ performance in a competitive Western Conference, especially when they are unable to secure victories against depleted teams.
The Clippers’ embarrassing loss to the Nuggets without key players has raised questions about their championship aspirations. If they want to succeed in the loaded Western Conference, they need to address their inconsistencies and improve their shooting. Otherwise, their chances of contending for a championship may be in jeopardy.