The Nuggets kicked off Game 3 in Los Angeles on Thursday with a solid start, jumping to an early seven-point lead. However, the Clippers swiftly shifted the momentum and built a lead during a significant 23-2 run spanning the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, as highlighted by Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette.
In the end, Denver encountered a significant defeat, concluding the game with a score of 117-83, presenting a tough lesson for the 2023 NBA champions. The Nuggets now find themselves trailing 1-2 as they gear up for Game 4 on Saturday.
“We got embarrassed today. It happens in the playoffs,” interim head coach David Adelman stated. “(We’ve) experienced it before, been on the other side of it. The bottom line is, it’s just one game, and (if) we come back (in) Game 4, do the right things, (we) give ourselves a chance.”
Forward Michael Porter Jr. logged 35 minutes on the court Thursday after suffering a left shoulder injury late in Game 2, but he struggled with his performance, scoring just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting. After the game, the 26-year-old revealed that his shoulder injury usually takes four to five weeks to heal, stating he felt considerably limited and estimated his shoulder’s condition at about 20-30 percent, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, who noted via Twitter that Porter has a Grade 2 sprain.
Porter explained that he participated in Thursday’s match because he was told the injury wouldn’t worsen unless re-injured (Twitter link via Shelburne), although he was uncertain about his availability for Saturday’s game.
“If I can go out there and feel more confident that I can help the team, then I’m going to play,” Porter commented, as per Benedetto. “If it’s still in a situation like it is today, and I don’t feel like I can contribute at all, there’s no reason to try to go out there.”
Compounding the challenges for a team already facing depth issues, backup guard Russell Westbrook did not play in the second half after dealing with left foot inflammation during his eight minutes in the first half, Benedetto reports. Adelman did not offer any updates on the former MVP’s condition following the game.
Image Source: michael porter jr. @ Instagram
