Lue said getting off to a strong start will be key to beating the Nuggets at Denver’s Ball Arena. The Nuggets scored 16 points in the first five minutes in Game 2 and had 20 points in the first 4½ minutes of Game 3, leaving the Clippers scrambling to play catch-up.

After dropping Game 3 and falling behind 2-1 in the series, the Denver Nuggets entered Game 4 with a renewed sense of urgency and physicality. The difference in energy was immediately apparent as they built an early lead and controlled the pace against the Los Angeles Clippers.