The play of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who has recorded three double doubles in the first six games of the Denver Nuggets’ first-round Western Conference series against the Los Angeles Clippers, could very well determine the outcome of Saturday night’s Game 7 at Ball Arena in downtown Denver.

Jamal Murray erupted for 43 points and Russell Westbrook chipped in 21 in his return from a foot injury, sparking the Nuggets’ 131-115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night that gave Denver

Tuesday's Nuggets win saw a return to playoff form for Murray, who was instrumental in Denver's run to the 2023 NBA championship.

The Denver Nuggets were easily taken care of by the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, and now their hopes of reaching the next round of the playoffs are in doubt. They can rebound on Saturday and pull off a comeback win,

The Clippers won Game 2 at Ball Arena 105-102, and twice in the Nikola Jokic era the Nuggets have succumbed in a Game 7 at home, against Portland in 2019 and against Minnesota last year when Denver blew a 20-point second-half lead.

The Denver Nuggets fell behind the Los Angeles Clippers after a hot start and then couldn't complete their comeback in game six of their playoff series.