In a tightly contested Game 3 matchup between two Western Conference powerhouses, the Los Angeles Clippers leaned on their trademark defense and veteran poise to secure a gritty 104-97 win over the Denver Nuggets, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the second-round playoff series.
After splitting the first two games in Denver, the series shifted to Crypto.com Arena where the Clippers turned up the intensity on both ends of the floor. Behind a relentless defensive effort and a clutch fourth-quarter run, L.A. managed to neutralize the Nuggets’ offensive weapons and protect home court in front of a roaring crowd.
Kawhi Leonard Leads the Charge
Kawhi Leonard once again showed why he’s one of the most dependable playoff performers in the league. The two-time Finals MVP finished with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, doing most of his damage in the midrange while also taking on the tough defensive assignment of guarding Jamal Murray down the stretch.
Leonard’s calm demeanor and surgical approach helped settle the Clippers during some shaky stretches. With the game tied at 89 midway through the fourth, Leonard drilled back-to-back jumpers and found Ivica Zubac for an easy dunk, igniting a 10-2 run that gave L.A. breathing room in the final minutes.
Stifling Defense Makes the Difference
While Leonard’s offense was vital, it was the Clippers’ defense that ultimately swung the game. Head coach Tyronn Lue made several key adjustments, including trapping Nikola Jokić on post touches and rotating aggressively to contest three-point shots. The result? Denver was held to just 41% shooting from the field and 10-of-32 from beyond the arc.
Jokić still managed a near triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, but he was clearly frustrated by the constant double-teams and physicality. The Clippers’ strategy of mixing coverages kept Denver guessing, and players like Terance Mann and Paul George made life difficult for both Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who combined for just 32 points on 11-of-30 shooting.
“We knew we had to make them uncomfortable,” George said postgame. “That’s a team that thrives on rhythm, and our job tonight was to take that away.”
Bench Steps Up
One of the under-the-radar stories of the night was the performance of the Clippers’ bench. Norman Powell chipped in 14 points, including a pair of timely threes in the third quarter that helped L.A. regain momentum after a Denver run. Backup center Mason Plumlee also gave the team quality minutes, battling on the glass and protecting the rim.
With Russell Westbrook still sidelined due to injury, the Clippers leaned on a balanced attack and got contributions from nearly everyone in the rotation. Ty Lue praised his team’s “next man up” mentality and credited the collective focus that’s been building throughout the series.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Game 4 is set for Sunday night in Los Angeles, and the pressure now shifts to the Nuggets to respond. Denver has proven time and again they can bounce back, especially with a player like Jokić at the helm, but they’ll need to adjust to the Clippers’ aggressive defensive schemes if they hope to even the series.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are playing with a sense of urgency and chemistry that’s often eluded them in recent postseason runs. With Leonard locked in, George finding rhythm, and the role players stepping up, L.A. suddenly looks like a team with serious title aspirations.
This series is far from over, but if Game 3 is any indication, the Clippers are ready for the fight.
