Clippers know defense is key to slowing Nuggets, extending their season

The Clippers were projected to win 30 games this season, maybe 35 tops. And who could blame fans and experts for their prediction.
Kawhi Leonard was on the shelf indefinitely because of knee issues. All-Star Paul George was gone, having signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Norman Powell was slated to be the starting guard, a role he had not played with the Clippers. And James Harden was a year older.
The Clippers, though, proved the doubters wrong, having notched 50 wins with an