The Los Angeles Clippers delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, securing a 117-83 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The win gave the Clippers a 2-1 series lead as they showcased a much-improved effort following two close games in Denver.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s resilience and approach in the win, emphasizing the importance of building off the performance.
“Our fans were unbelievable tonight. Coming home and playing our first playoff game in the new dome was exciting,” Lue said. “Norm Powell was huge for us, not only scoring but also making the right plays. Defensively, we played better, and we need to build off that.”
Norman Powell contributed 20 points, helping the Clippers regain control after a slow start. James Harden, who had 13 points in the first quarter, finished with 20 points and nine assists, demonstrating excellent floor management. Lue credited Harden for his ability to control the game, saying, “James did a great job of taking what the defense gave him.”
Clippers’ superstar Kawhi Leonard also played a pivotal role in the win, recording a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. His performance on both ends of the floor, combined with solid defensive adjustments, helped the Clippers stifle the Nuggets’ offensive flow. Lue acknowledged Leonard’s work ethic and resilience, noting, “Kawhi has worked hard to get back to this level. His determination is clear.”
Despite a triple-double from Nikola Jokic (23 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists), the Nuggets struggled to keep up with the Clippers. Denver had a brief early lead, but the Clippers stormed back with a 23-2 run to close out the first quarter and extend their advantage in the second.
Lue discussed the defensive adjustments that helped stymie Jokic’s efforts, particularly after a series of early baseline cuts by the Nuggets. “We tightened up defensively and made sure we didn’t give up easy cuts,” Lue explained.
The Clippers were also dominant on the glass, outrebounding the Nuggets 48-38 after being outworked on the boards in Game 2. Lue highlighted the team’s improvement in this area: “Rebounding was a huge turnaround for us, and taking care of the basketball was another key.”
With a 34-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Clippers emptied their bench, allowing for a relaxed finish. Former Clippers like Chris Paul and Patrick Beverley were in the stands, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere in the new Intuit Dome.
Looking ahead to Game 4, Lue remained cautious, acknowledging the ongoing challenge the series presents. “We understand it’s not over. We need to come back Saturday and validate this win,” he said.
