DENVER โ Kawhi Leonard delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 39 points on an impressive 15-of-19 shooting to help the Los Angeles Clippers level their first-round playoff series with the Denver Nuggets, securing a 105-102 victory in Denver on Monday night.
James Harden praised Leonardโs remarkable accuracy, saying, โIt feels like he didnโt miss a shot. His shot-making ability is elite.โ This was crucial, given the rest of the Clippers roster collectively managed only 26 out of 66 attempts, resulting in a 39% accuracy rate. Leonard remarked, โI made shots tonight. I just keep playing, try to stay in the zone no matter if Iโm making or missing shots.โ
Leonardโs Leadership Vital for Clippers
The Clippers, seeded fifth, heavily relied on Leonardโs exceptional performance to gain the upper hand in the series against the fourth-seeded Nuggets. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue commented, โThis is what Kawhi lives for, getting healthy for the playoffs. We know if weโve got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.โ After playing only two playoff games in the past two years, the 33-year-old two-time Finals MVP is back in top form, having missed the seasonโs initial 34 games due to ongoing knee issues.
Leonard expressed relief and satisfaction at his physical condition, saying, โIโm just happy Iโm able to move, you know, coming out of the game feeling well. I sat and watched these playoff games the last two years, so yeah, to be front-line out there, it feels good.โ
Crucial Misses for Nuggets
In the closing moments, Christian Braunโs 3-point attempt fell short with 6 seconds remaining, followed by Nikola Jokic missing another 3-point shot with only 1 second left on the clock. Despite Jokic achieving his 19th career playoff triple-double, the Nuggets couldnโt clinch the win. The series will now transition to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.
This defeat marked the first setback for the Clippers since their overtime loss in Game 1. Moreover, they handed David Adelman his initial defeat in five games after replacing Michael Malone just before the playoffs. Jokic, who stands as the third player to average a triple-double across a season, contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jamal Murray added 23 points, and the Nuggets saw a comeback performance from Michael Porter Jr., who recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds following his less impactful Game 1.
Turnovers Trouble for Denver
Leonard had a significant impact with 21 points by halftime, including a buzzer-beating pull-up 3-pointer to break a 52-all tie. Nuggets head coach David Adelman acknowledged Leonardโs remarkable performance, stating, โTo his credit, he was awesome tonight.โ Murray added, โHe just got to his spots. And even when weโre there he made some tough shots. He had a night. He got going, and he was tough to stop.โ
Leonardโs pivotal steal from a Jokic pass with 37 seconds left in the game proved crucial, although Harden couldnโt capitalize and Braun secured the defensive rebound with 11 seconds remaining. The Nuggetsโ total of 20 turnovers mirrored the Clippersโ from Game 1, compounded by eight missed free throws. Adelman remarked on the impact, โThat was a killer.โ Jokic unusually committed seven turnovers and missed 4 of 10 free throws.
Meanwhile, Porter Jr.โs resilience will be tested after he sprained his left shoulder in the final minutes. During a scramble, he fell to the floor with Kris Dunn rolling over him, causing discomfort. Despite the setback, Porter hopes that his shooting performance in Los Angeles wonโt suffer, as itโs his non-shooting arm that was injured.