Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Rally to Force Game 7 vs. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers had their first conference finals berth in franchise history in their grasp. One second-half collapse later, they're a game away from heading home.  

Nikola Jokic had 34 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists and Jamal Murray added 21 points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a shocking 111-98 comeback victory over the Clippers in Game 6 of their conference semifinal.

The Clippers led by 16 at halftime before a listless second half allowed Denver back into the game, putting the Nuggets within a game of their second straight comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.  

Notable Stats

Nuggets

C Nikola Jokic: 34 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

G Jamal Murray: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

G Gary Harris: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Clippers

G Paul George: 33 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 1 block

F Kawhi Leonard: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

The Clippers Haven't Earned an On/Off Switch; Why Do They Have One?

If you've watched the Clippers this postseason, you'd think they were a two-time defending champion coasting on the laurels of their past accomplishments. They allowed Luka Doncic to single-handedly make a series out of it in Round 1 and even more so now, going on cruise control and falling asleep at the wheel after taking a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets.

The Clippers' second half was one of the most lethargic performances you'll ever see from a championship contender. After a near-flawless first half put them up 63-47, the Clippers thought they had the series won and expected the Nuggets to collapse.

Instead, Denver punched them in the mouth to start the second half and the Clippers were the ones who collapsed. From Paul George to Kawhi Leonard to the bench, the Clippers maintained a lifeless disposition as the Nuggets dominated on both ends. 

Doc Rivers' plan was to unearth Reggie Jackson from the deepest recesses of his bench in the fourth. That lasted all of a minute before it was abandoned.

There's something missing here, and the Clippers better find it fast. Even if they manage to scrape by Denver, they won't survive a determined Lakers team if this level of play continues.

Nuggets Playing with House Money

It wasn't all that long ago people were wondering if Mike Malone would keep his job, as local beat writers covered the lack of "trust" between the coach and his team. It was an even shorter time ago that Michael Porter Jr. was pulling his best Keyshawn Johnson in a press conference. 

In his seventh season as an NBA head coach and his fifth with Denver, Malone has more than earned his coaching stripes, with the Nuggets becoming the 12th team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Jazz before pulling off an even more Herculean feat of forcing a Game 7 against the Clippers. 

The Nuggets are deep, but the Clippers are deeper while employing possibly the two best players in this series. Jokic has arguably outplayed Leonard and certainly George. The Nuggets role players rose to the occasion right as the Clippers went ghost.

Regardless of how Tuesday's Game 7 plays out, Denver's postseason run has been admirable.