James Harden powered the Los Angeles Clippers to a 111-105 Game 6 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, helping his team stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 7.
After a subdued showing in Game 5, the veteran guard responded with 28 points and eight assists at Intuit Dome, saying postgame that a renewed focus on spacing and aggression made the difference.
“It was a much-needed win for us,” Harden said. “Nico did it on both ends tonight… shooting his shot, making some good passes—he just did a little of everything.”
Nicolas Batum finished with six points, five rebounds, and three blocks while executing a key defensive assignment on Nikola Jokic, who was limited to just five points in the second half.
Harden credited film study and communication with head coach Tyronn Lue as pivotal in regaining rhythm after Denver had taken a 3-2 series lead.
“We talked about it, we showed it, and we did it,” Harden said of the offensive adjustments. “Internally, I know what needs to be done.”
The Clippers outscored the Nuggets 32-22 in the third quarter, sparked by Harden’s downhill drives and Kawhi Leonard’s aggressive play.
Leonard posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, bouncing back from two quiet performances to help his team regain control.
Norman Powell added 24 points off the bench and drained the Clippers’ final field goal of the night—a corner three with 1:47 remaining.
Denver trimmed a 15-point deficit to just six in the closing minutes, but missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns allowed Los Angeles to close it out.
Jokic recorded 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds but shot just 2-for-9 after halftime and went scoreless during a crucial 11-minute stretch in the third.
“Attention to detail,” Harden said, when asked what it would take to win Game 7. “You really got to be on your Ps and locked in.”
Jamal Murray added 21 points for Denver but was held in check late, while Aaron Gordon chipped in 19 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
Russell Westbrook tallied 14 points and 10 boards in 34 minutes off the bench for the Clippers, who shot 50 percent from the field and hit 13-of-15 free throws.
The Nuggets finished at 52.4 percent from the floor but missed three free throws and struggled to slow the Clippers’ ball movement.
“Whatever the team needs—47, 48 [minutes], overtime, whatever—I’m willing to do it,” Harden said after logging nearly 47 minutes in the win.
Game 7 is set for Saturday night at Ball Arena, where Denver will attempt to avoid another first-round collapse.
The winner will advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.
