In a dramatic bounce-back performance, the LA Clippers clawed their way to a thrilling 112-109 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff series. With the win, the Clippers even the series at 1-1 and reclaim momentum heading back to Los Angeles.
After a disappointing showing in Game 1, where Denver’s physicality and offensive rhythm kept the Clippers on their heels, Game 2 told a different story. From the opening tip, it was clear the Clippers had a renewed focus and energy—led by their stars and fueled by clutch play on both ends of the floor.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Lead the Charge
Kawhi Leonard turned in a vintage playoff performance, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Leonard was surgical in the mid-range, knocked down big shots late in the fourth, and made a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds. His calm demeanor and ability to rise in high-pressure moments once again proved why he’s one of the league’s most trusted postseason performers.
Paul George added 28 points and 7 rebounds, shaking off a cold first quarter to deliver when it mattered most. His back-to-back threes midway through the fourth quarter ignited the Clippers’ rally and silenced a raucous Ball Arena crowd.
What stood out most about the Clippers’ Game 2 effort was their resilience. After falling behind by 12 in the third quarter, they didn’t panic. Instead, they tightened their defense, executed in the half court, and trusted their stars to close. And close they did.
Bench Spark and Strategic Adjustments
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue made key rotational tweaks that paid off big. Norman Powell provided a crucial spark off the bench, chipping in 16 points and knocking down a pair of key triples in the second half. Russell Westbrook, though not lighting up the stat sheet, brought tenacious energy and critical defensive plays in crunch time.
One of Lue’s biggest adjustments came on defense. The Clippers put more pressure on Jamal Murray, trapping him off pick-and-rolls and forcing the ball out of his hands. While Nikola Jokić still managed a triple-double (26 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists), the Clippers made him work for every bucket, crowding the paint and rotating aggressively on the perimeter.
Nuggets Come Up Just Short
Denver had its chances. Jamal Murray finished with 22 points and had a clean look to tie the game with three seconds remaining but his step-back three clanked off the rim. Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points, and Aaron Gordon contributed 15, including a thunderous dunk that nearly blew the roof off the building.
Still, Denver’s slight lapse in execution during the final five minutes proved costly. Turnovers, missed free throws, and defensive lapses gave LA just enough space to snatch the win.
What’s Next
With the series knotted up 1-1, the pressure now shifts to Game 3 in Los Angeles. Crypto.com Arena will be rocking, and the Clippers will look to build on their Game 2 momentum. Denver, on the other hand, must find a way to weather the Clippers’ surging confidence and reassert their dominance.
This series is shaping up to be an all-out war—two deep, talented teams, trading punches, adapting on the fly, and refusing to blink. If Game 2 is any indication, we’re in for a classic.
For now, the Clippers can breathe a little easier. They went into one of the toughest buildings in the league and came out with a win—battle-tested, unified, and hungry for more.
