The Los Angeles Clippers rode a 23-2 run in the first half to crush the Denver Nuggets 117-83 in Game 3, taking a commanding 2-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup on April 24, 2025. The game, held at the sold-out Intuit Dome in Inglewood, was a stark contrast to the closely contested first two games, which were decided by a combined total of just five points.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue had emphasized the need for improvement before the game, stating, "We got to play better. We have to play better. That’s our mindset." His team responded emphatically, showcasing a dominant performance that energized the home crowd.
Los Angeles started strong, quickly establishing control with a 23-2 run that set the tone for the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Clippers had built a seven-point lead, thanks in part to James Harden, who scored 11 of the final 16 points of the period. Harden finished the night with 20 points, all scored in the first half, along with nine assists and six rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard was another standout for the Clippers, contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Leonard’s all-around game was crucial in maintaining the Clippers' momentum throughout the match. Norman Powell, who struggled in the first two games, found his rhythm and added 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Ivica Zubac also played a vital role, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
The Clippers’ success from beyond the arc was a significant factor in their victory, as they made 18 three-pointers on 39 attempts, shooting an impressive 46.2%. In contrast, the Nuggets managed to hit only 7 of their 26 attempts from long range, struggling to find their shooting touch. Nicolas Batum was particularly effective, hitting four of his six three-point attempts and finishing with 12 points.
Defensively, the Clippers were equally impressive, limiting the Nuggets to just 41.3% shooting from the field. They controlled the boards, out-rebounding Denver 48-38, and their bench significantly outperformed the Nuggets’ reserves, contributing 31 points compared to just six for Denver.
Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, recorded his 20th triple-double of the season, finishing with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. Despite his impressive stat line, Jokic was unable to lead his team to victory, as the Clippers’ defensive strategy aimed to contain him and limit the contributions of other key players.
Jamal Murray was the only other Nugget to find success offensively, scoring 23 points on 15 shots. However, the Clippers made it clear that they would focus on shutting down Jokic and Murray, allowing the other Nuggets players to struggle. The Nuggets’ bench, which has been a strength for them in previous games, was rendered ineffective, scoring just five points.
The game took a turn for the worse for the Nuggets when former Clippers guard Russell Westbrook suffered a left foot injury in the second quarter and did not return. Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. was limited to just seven points and six rebounds, hampering Denver's ability to mount a comeback.
With this victory, the Clippers now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and history shows that teams that go up 2-1 after splitting the first two games on the road have a favorable record, winning 54 of 90 series in NBA history. Game 4 is set for Saturday afternoon, April 26, 2025, at the Intuit Dome, where the Clippers will look to extend their lead.
The last time the Nuggets found themselves down 2-1 to the Clippers in a playoff series, they managed to pull off a stunning 3-1 comeback during the 2020 bubble playoffs. However, this year’s team does not seem to have the same energy, especially after parting ways with coach Michael Malone earlier in the season.
As the playoffs continue, the Clippers will aim to build on their momentum and secure a spot in the next round, while the Nuggets will need to regroup and find a way to respond in Game 4.
