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.
NBA GM survey bets on Thunder to win back-to-back title, Jokic favorite for MVP
Nikola Jokic stays loyal to Nuggets despite extension delay
Adam Silver says NBA will “take its time” in Kawhi Leonard’s investigation 
