[jwplayer kBav5MVx]
An all-Los Angeles 2020 Western Conference Finals seemed like a foregone conclusion. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic took home-court advantage away from both teams, each has a roster loaded with talent.
The Lakers made quick work of the Houston Rockets in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup, winning in five games.
The Clippers — who lost to the Brooklyn Nets during seeding play — not so much. They had a chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals in Game 5 win, yet they were seen battling for their postseason lives in Game 7 on Tuesday — and to no avail, losing 104-89.
Jamal Murray was the driving force behind so much of the Nuggets’ success in both the first and second round of the playoffs, but Nikola Jokic had himself some big nights, as well — including his triple-double performance (16 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists) in Game 7.
Although the big man ripped down over 20 boards, Jokic wowed the masses with his passing above all else.
Among those Jokic impressed was Nets guard Jamal Crawford, who took to Twitter to praise the Nuggets big man mid-game:
It’s official. Joker is one of my favorite players to watch.
Then, when Murray hit his crazy 3-pointer with just over two minutes left in the game, he was as stunned as anyone.
Wow……….
— đ Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) September 16, 2020
Twitter about to explode.
— đ Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) September 16, 2020
Murray’s dagger in his 40-point performance led to a powerful, though accurate, declaration from Crawford:
Jamal Murray is a star.