R2 Review: Portland V Denver

In this second round playoff series of the 2023 NSL Playoffs between the defending champion Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, the Blazers entered as the clear favorite based on their dominant regular season performance and the fact that they had previously defeated the Nuggets in three out of four regular season matchups. The series was expected to be an intense battle, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals and a chance to move on to the finals.

The Portland Trail Blazers who finish at the first place in the Western Conference came out of a dominants first round sweep against the Phoenix Suns, while the Denver Nuggets who finished at the 5^th place in the standings needed 6 games to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first round match up. So little more Rest for the Blazers at this point and little more time to get their strategies ready for this series.

Game 1:

As the first game tipped off in Portland , the Trail Blazers wasted no time asserting their dominance. Six of the Blazers players scored double digit points in this game, while Drummond with 16 points and 17 rebounds and James with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists were the most important players of the team. They displayed their superior skills and strategic gameplay, overwhelming Denver with their offensive prowess and tight defensive rotations. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the Nuggets side both had a strong game trying to get them a win here, with 27 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists Thompson put up strong numbers and Curry with 31 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds even stronger. But that was not enough to overcome the Blazers, the final score of the first game reflected the Blazers control, with a decisive victory in their favor.

Game 2:

In the second game in Oregon, the Nuggets tried to regroup and make adjustments to counter the Blazers strengths. Curry and Thompson again with great games got assisted by Sabonis with a good 12 points and 14 rebound game and additional 12 rebounds from Hernangomez. They implemented new defensive strategies and put up a valiant fight. However, Portland�s experience and consistency especially because of the performance of Lebron James succeeded once again. James put up a 30 point, 8 rebound game again with good help from Drummond. With all the key players stepping up and making crucial shots, Portland secured another victory, pushing Denver further against the ropes before game three with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3:

As the series moved on to Denver for the third game, the Nuggets found themselves facing a must-win situation. They displayed a renewed sense of determination and pushed the Blazers to their limits with a great scoring game from the Curry � Thompson Duo again and a lot of rebounds from Sabonis and Hernangomez. The game was closely contested. However, in the final moments, Portland�s star players in James, Drummond, Durant and � Richardson showcased their clutch performances, leading them to another hard-fought but well deserved victory and a solid 3-0 lead.

Game 4:

With this commanding 3-0 series lead, Portland entered the fourth game in the Mile High City with the opportunity to sweep Denver and advance to the Western Conference Finals. Although Denver fought tooth and nail, their efforts were ultimately not enough. This forth game turned out to be a blow out. The Blazers superior talent, depth, and playoff experience proved insurmountable for the Nuggets. Curry and Thomason both had only low double digit points and no one else of the team was able to step up. So with James and Durant leading the was the final game of this series ended in a convincing victory for Portland, completing the 4-0 sweep and solidifying their status as the superior team in the series as they are the defending champs of the NSL.

Summary:

Despite the series ending in a clean sweep, it's worth noting that the games were highly competitive and closely contested for the most part. Denver put up a valiant effort with the sharp shooter duo of Thompson and Curry but was unable to overcome Portland�s dominance and capitalize on their regular season success against them. The Blazers exceptional performance throughout the series showcased their championship aspirations and left no doubt about their position as favorites. The clear MVP of this series is Lebron James, he put up 25.8 points, 5 assists and 7 rebounds per game. Curry was the best Nuggets player on the other side with 24.3 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. 

So the Portland Trail Blazers moved one to battle the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals and tried to defend their title, congrats to the Blazers to win this series! And of course congrats to the Denver Nuggets to get this far and put up a good fight!