Western United still could not keep up with the frantic pace that the team had in April, when they managed to climb for some time even into the top six. But five defeats in a row signed the verdict: the club remains without playoffs. Mark Rudan’s wards will not be below the tenth place and there is no point in climbing higher, the season will not be extended. Note that the defeats came directly from direct competitors in the fight for the top 6 (with the exception of the match with Sydney 0:1). It is very difficult to hope for anything serious, scoring only one goal in all important games. And if Brisbane Roar (1:2) then allowed itself to break through, then Sydney Wanderers (0:5), Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix (both 0:3) left no stone unturned from the players United.
The Nuggets continue to keep the bar high and are preparing for serious tests, as they are aimed at the championship. The team is capable of more, just at the start of the playoffs it allowed itself to relax. Denver acted poorly in the first match of the series, just the attack did not play properly, so victory went to Portland (109-128). Of course, Michael Malone drew conclusions after the unfortunate defeat and his players approached the second match in a completely different mood. Nikola Jokic sold out in earnest and led his club to victory. The Nuggets will try to build on this success, but they will have to perform in the Fashion Center arena, which can become a stumbling block. In short, a real battle awaits us.
