Page 2 - NBA Playoffs 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets

#2 The Denver Nuggets' struggles from the free-throw line

When you are playing at the highest level like NBA, there is no margin for errors. You just cannot miss free-throws and lose the opportunity of scoring easy points. Last night, the Denver Nuggets only shot 28-39 from the charity stripe at a mere 71.8%.

In particular, All-Star Nikola Jokic missed a clutch free-throw in the fourth quarter that would have cut the Blazers' lead to one point with 11.4 seconds remaining. In contrast, the Blazers shot 20-24 from the free-throw line at 83.3%.

For the Nuggets, only Jamal Murray went perfect from the free-throw line converting all nine of his attempts. With 8.0 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and up by 2, Evan Turner was fouled and earned a trip to the free-throw line. He nailed both of his free-throw attempts which extended the Blazers' lead to 4 points. Those two clutch free-throws virtually knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs.

NBA Playoffs 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets - Game 7

#2 The Denver Nuggets' struggles from the free-throw line