The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Denver Nuggets 117-83 in Game 3 on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome, taking a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Kawhi Leonard led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while James Harden and Norman Powell added 20 points each in the Clippers’ first postseason game at their new home.
The contest marked a dramatic shift after two tightly contested games in Denver, as the Clippers outscored the visitors by 34 points in a one-sided display.
Nikola Jokic recorded his second triple-double of the series with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, and Jamal Murray matched him with 23 points, but Denver’s offense struggled beyond their two stars.
Los Angeles turned a seven-point first-quarter deficit into a 20-point second-quarter advantage, fueled by a 23-2 run that included 11 points from Harden.
The Clippers’ defense tightened significantly, limiting the Nuggets to 40.3% shooting overall and just 26.9% from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles knocked down 18 three-pointers and won the rebounding battle 48-38, including 15 offensive boards that created second-chance opportunities.
Their bench overwhelmed Denver’s reserves 31-6, with Nicolas Batum contributing 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. adding 10.
Denver, which had kept the first two games within five total points, cleared its bench with over four minutes remaining as the outcome became clear.
Russell Westbrook exited in the second half due to left foot inflammation after missing four of five three-point attempts.
Michael Porter Jr., hampered by a left shoulder injury sustained in Game 2, managed just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting in 35 minutes.
DeAndre Jordan saw limited action against his former team, playing just under five minutes for the Nuggets in the lopsided loss.
The Clippers shot 48.2% from the field and 46.2% from deep, while also registering 26 assists to just 10 turnovers.
Game 4 will be held Saturday night in Los Angeles, where the Clippers will aim to take a commanding 3-1 lead before the series shifts back to Denver.
