Los Angeles Clippers Force Game 7 Against Denver Nuggets
The Los Angeles Clippers staved off elimination and extended their playoff lives with a hard-fought 111-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 6, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7 showdown in Denver. The Clippers displayed resilience and determination, showcasing a balanced attack and a focused defensive effort to overcome the defending champions.
The Clippers’ defense was instrumental in containing Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, preventing him from achieving his usual triple-double dominance. While Jokić still managed a respectable 25 points, he was held to eight assists and seven rebounds, falling short of his series averages. This defensive success was crucial in disrupting the Nuggets’ offensive flow and preventing Jokić from orchestrating their attack with his customary precision.
Offensively, the Clippers were powered by a trio of stars: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Norman Powell. These three combined for a formidable 79 points, providing the scoring punch needed to overcome the Nuggets’ challenge. Harden’s playmaking and scoring versatility, Leonard’s relentless attack on the basket, and Powell’s timely shots from the perimeter proved to be a potent combination that kept the Nuggets’ defense on its heels.
Beyond the star performances, Nicolas Batum emerged as a key contributor for the Clippers, earning high praise from coaches and teammates alike for his impactful play on both ends of the court. In Game 6, Batum showcased his versatility, contributing six points, six assists, five rebounds, three blocked shots, and two steals. His defensive intensity, court awareness, and willingness to make the extra pass were invaluable to the Clippers’ success. Batum’s performance has sparked discussions about potentially inserting him into the starting lineup for Game 7, a decision that will ultimately rest with coach Tyronn Lue.
Lue faces a strategic decision regarding his team’s approach to Game 7, including whether to engage in individual conversations with his players, as he did prior to Game 6. These conversations are aimed at fostering a sense of unity, focus, and determination within the team, ensuring that each player is mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The Clippers’ performance in Denver throughout the series has been inconsistent, highlighting the need for a clear and effective game plan to maximize their chances of success.
The series has been marked by close contests and dramatic swings in momentum. The Clippers split the first two games in Denver, with both games decided by a combined total of just five points. However, the Nuggets responded with a dominant 131-115 victory in Game 5, showcasing their offensive firepower and asserting their dominance on their home court.
Russell Westbrook played a significant role in the final minutes of Game 1, both positively and negatively. While he scored 15 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in regulation, he also committed a costly turnover in overtime, knocking an inbound pass away and off of Harden with 9.6 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the win for the Nuggets.
In Game 2, Leonard carried the Clippers’ offense, delivering a stellar 39-point performance on an efficient 15-of-19 shooting from the field. However, his teammates struggled to match his efficiency, combining for just 26-of-66 shooting from the field. This disparity in offensive production highlights the Clippers’ need for a more balanced and consistent scoring attack in Game 7.
Leonard expressed confidence in his team’s ability to win in Denver, stating, "We can have the confidence to know that we have won there, but it’s going to be a different game. We have to come out aggressive in the first quarter and make sure they don’t get a big lead on us." Leonard’s emphasis on a strong start underscores the importance of setting the tone early and preventing the Nuggets from gaining momentum in front of their home crowd.
The Clippers are desperate to avoid a first-round exit for the third consecutive year. In the previous two seasons, Leonard’s availability was severely limited due to injuries, rendering him a non-factor in those playoff series. He played in just two games in each of those first-round series, leaving the Clippers shorthanded and unable to compete at their full potential.
Leonard’s health has been a major concern throughout the 2024-25 season. He started the season listed as day-to-day after undergoing a knee procedure during the offseason to address swelling. Despite expressing his intention to play in the season opener during media day in September, he ultimately missed the first 34 games of the season. The Clippers managed to navigate his absence relatively well, posting a 19-15 record without him.
During media day, Leonard voiced his hope to remain healthy enough to make a significant impact in the playoffs. So far, he has been able to fulfill that aspiration, playing in all six games of the series and contributing at a high level. The team has also benefited from a clean injury report throughout the postseason, a welcome change from previous years.
The Nuggets have faced their own injury challenges during the series. Westbrook battled left foot inflammation and was considered questionable after rolling his ankle before Game 3. He missed Game 4 before returning to the series. Michael Porter Jr. has continued to play despite a bothersome left shoulder, averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game.
The Clippers will travel to Denver for Game 7, which is scheduled to take place at Ball Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET on May 3. The game will be broadcast on TNT, providing a national audience with the opportunity to witness this crucial matchup.
The stakes are high for both teams. The Clippers are seeking to prove their championship aspirations and overcome their recent playoff disappointments. The Nuggets, on the other hand, are aiming to defend their title and avoid an early exit from the postseason. Game 7 promises to be a thrilling and tightly contested battle, with the winner advancing to the next round and the loser facing the offseason.
