Kawhi Leonard credited the Los Angeles Clippers’ defensive intensity and focus for their 111-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, which forced a Game 7 in the Western Conference first-round series.
Speaking after the win at Intuit Dome, Leonard emphasized the role of Nicolas Batum and Ivica Zubac in slowing down Nikola Jokic, who was held to just five points in the second half.
“Just gave us some space on the floor offensively as well as defensively,” Leonard said of Batum. “Guarding Jokic, showing the second hand on him… able to come over and get some good blocks on the weak side.”
Leonard contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the win, while James Harden rebounded from a quiet Game 5 with 28 points and eight assists.
Norman Powell added 24 points off the bench, including a clutch three-pointer with 1:47 remaining—the Clippers’ final field goal of the night.
Los Angeles built a 15-point lead midway through the fourth before Denver responded with an 11-2 run, but the Clippers’ defense held firm in the final minutes.
Jokic finished with 25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, but went 2-for-9 from the field after halftime as Zubac and Batum executed a disciplined strategy.
Leonard also credited Zubac’s willingness to take on the challenge of guarding the reigning MVP.
“He’s very competitive,” Leonard said. “That’s what you want—guys that just want to compete… win, lose or draw.”
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reportedly called each player during the off day to check on their mindset, a gesture Leonard described as typical.
“He usually does that,” Leonard said. “Win streaks or losing streaks, he’s calling us to see what we feel with the lineup… getting insight of how we should play defensively.”
The Game 6 win was crucial for a Los Angeles team trying to avoid a second straight first-round exit.
Denver, meanwhile, failed to close out a series with a 3-2 lead for the third time in four tries dating back to last postseason.
When asked what he tells teammates heading into Game 7, Leonard kept it simple: “Just go out there and have fun… stay locked in with each other.”
Saturday’s Game 7 will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, where the Nuggets last won a Game 7 in the 2020 bubble against the Clippers.
The winner of the series will advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.
