No Quit in LA: Clippers Push Nuggets to a Decisive Game 7

Los Angeles Clippers #1 James Harden (G) is bringing the ball upcourt while being defended by the Denver Nuggets #27 Jamal Murray (PG). Photo by DeAngelo Scrugg/TGSportstv1 May 1, 2025.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Facing elimination and trailing the Denver Nuggets three games to two, the Los Angeles Clippers won game six 111-105, pushing this best-of-seven series to a decisive game seven.

After his recent struggles in Game 5, James Harden responded with a strong bounce-back performance with 28 points and eight assists. Kawhi Leonard contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Norman Powell with 24 points.

"I thought James did a great job setting the tone early, scoring the basketball, getting downhill, and making the right play. Norm at the end, and Kawhai was just kind of steady throughout the game. But I thought those three guys really stepped up and came to play. I thought Zubac was a monster on the defensive end tonight. Getting closer to Jokic and not giving us as much space," Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue said after the game.

The first quarter was tightly contested as both teams went back and forth. Both teams exchanged leads multiple times, with neither team gaining a significant advantage. Jamal Murray had a strong scoring spurt for Denver, hitting numerous jump shots, including a three.

Murray led all scorers with 12 points in the quarter for the Nuggets, while Harden contributed with scoring and assists for the Clippers. Denver held a narrow 28-25 lead at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, the game remained tight. Harden had a particularly productive scoring quarter, including multiple layups and a three-pointer. Harden's layup with 09:45 remaining gave the Clippers a 31-30 lead, which they maintained most of the period.

Denver Nuggets #15 Nikola Jokic (C) is driving toward the basket while being closely guarded by the Los Angeles Clippers #40 Ivica Zubac (C). Photo by DeAngelo Scrugg/TGSportstv1 May 1, 2025.

The Nuggets kept it close thanks to Nikola Jokic's scoring and Russell Westbrook's playmaking. Leonard started to find his rhythm towards the end of the quarter, hitting a dunk and a three-pointer. Zubac had a crucial tip-in at the buzzer to give the Clippers a one-point advantage heading into the break 58-57.

Jokic led the Nuggets with 20 points at the half. Denver connected on an efficient 61% (24-of-39) of their field goals and 38% (5-of-13) from three-point range.

Harden had 21 points at halftime for the Clippers. Los Angeles shot 50% from the field (23 of 46) but struggled from long distance shooting 4 of 22(18%).

In the second half, Lue's adjustment to start Nicolas Batum instead of Kris Dunn worked in favor of the Clippers.

When asked about his decision, Lue stated, "Try to get to that small lineup with all shooting on the floor, which helped us get the lead, gave James and Kawhi more spacing, and we were able to attack when we went small."

In the third quarter, Los Angeles came out strong and expanded their lead, outscoring the Denver Nuggets 32-22 to hold a 90-79 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Los Angeles Clippers #33 Nicolas Batum (PF) three-pointer in the third quarter while the Denver Nuggets #27 Jama (PG) and #0 Christian Braun are looking on.

Batum's impact was immediately felt as he knocked down a three to open the third for the Clippers. Continuing to build on their momentum, Powell and Leonard scored effectively.

Leonard's nine-point contribution in the quarter was significant, as he scored in multiple ways, including from three-point range and with an emphatic putback dunk. The Nuggets struggled to keep pace offensively, which allowed the Clippers to build their lead to as many as 15 points in the period.

The fourth quarter saw the Clippers hold off a late comeback attempt by the Denver Nuggets, ultimately winning the game 111-105. Los Angeles maintained their lead early in the quarter, as Leonard and Harden continued to score.

Denver started to show some urgency late in the period as they cut the 15-point deficit to six with a layup from Murray with 2:43 remaining. Despite Denver's efforts, the Clippers managed to maintain their lead and secure the win.

With the series tied, the Clippers now face a decisive Game 7 in Denver's Mile High City, where their head coach boasts an impressive 11-5 record in elimination games, including winner-take-all matchups.