Norman Powell’s season in small teams ended with disappointment.
The previous goalkeeper of Toronto Raptors has established a brand new profession summit this yr, with a mean of 21.8 factors per match whereas prospering as a full -time leaving for the Clippers of Los Angeles. Powell has entered the void left by the departure of Paul George and has established itself as one of the vital efficient scorers within the league and an everyday offensive power for a clippers crew that outperformed expectations.
However in match 7 Saturday night in Denver, Powell couldn’t discover his tempo. He scored solely 9 factors on a shot of 4 for 11, missed his three makes an attempt by three factors and struggled to have an effect whereas the clippers have been exploded 120-101 by title champion Nuggets.
Los Angeles dragged solely eight at first of the third quarter earlier than Denver snatched a 17-0 race, triggered by Christian Braun and Michael Porter Jr. to type three in rhythm. As soon as the nuggets began clicking, the sport rapidly slipped for the clippers.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 factors on a 6 shot for 13, however obtained little assist. James Harden had one in every of his worst releases from the playoffs, ending with solely seven factors on 2 pictures out of 8. Ivica Zubac added 10 factors and 14 boards, but it surely was not sufficient to beat the rhythm and offensive stream of Denver.
Canadian goalkeeper Jamal Murray collected 16 factors and 5 assists in a silent efficiency, whereas Braun and Porter Jr. mixed for 36 whereas the Nuggets have sailed within the second spherical the place they are going to face Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Monday.
