The Los Angeles Clippers staved off elimination with a hard-fought 111–105 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, setting up a dramatic Game 7 in their first-round NBA playoff series.
After criticism for a subdued Game 5, James Harden responded emphatically with 28 points and eight assists, leading the charge in a pivotal performance. Kawhi Leonard added 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing the poise and control that made him a two-time Finals MVP.
NOT OVER YET 🍿
THE CLIPPERS FORCE A GAME 7 AND WILL TRY TO CLOSE IT OUT IN DENVER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/akREUILcan
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 2, 2025
The Clippers took command in the second half with tenacious defense, particularly on Nikola Jokić, who was limited to just 5 points after halftime, finishing with 25 total. Norman Powell chipped in with a vital 24 points off the bench, giving L.A. the offensive depth they had been lacking in earlier games.
CLIPPERS FORCE GAME 7 AGAINST NUGGETS ‼️
Harden: 28 PTS, 8 AST
Kawhi: 27 PTS, 10 REB
Powell: 24 PTS, 2 STLWin-or-go-home game 🍿 pic.twitter.com/JkNf6x5EQT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 2, 2025
For Denver, Jamal Murray scored 21 points, but the Nuggets once again failed to close out a series with a 3–2 lead—marking the fourth time in five attempts they’ve come up short in that scenario over the last two years. Their last Game 7 win came against the Clippers in the 2020 bubble playoffs.
Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday in Denver, where the Nuggets will try to avoid another early exit, and the Clippers aim to pull off the comeback.