The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series,
Securing a decisive 117-83 victory and taking a 2-1 series lead. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while James Harden and Norman Powell added 20 points each. The Clippers’ strong shooting, including 18 3-pointers, and superior rebounding performance were key to their commanding win. Denver’s Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Clippers’ relentless attack. The Nuggets also faced setbacks, including an injury to Russell Westbrook, who was ruled out for the remainder of the game with left foot inflammation.
Denver Hits Trouble After Injury:
As the series shifted to Los Angeles, the Nuggets struggled to maintain control, especially after a poor start and a significant deficit in the first half. Westbrook’s injury further complicated Denver’s hopes of regaining momentum. The point guard, who had been instrumental for the Nuggets in the first two games, faced difficulty in Game 3 after a pre-game injury worsened, limiting his impact.
Kawhi Leonard’s resilience stood out, as despite a challenging 2024 season, where injuries and setbacks plagued his journey, he showed exceptional performance, including a remarkable 39-point game in Game 2. His leadership, alongside Harden, Powell, and Ivica Zubac, is proving pivotal for the Clippers’ playoff aspirations. The series, tightly contested with two close games, now pivots to Game 4, with both teams facing high stakes as they fight for the edge.