The Los Angeles Clippers needed a blow of authority in their first-round series against the Nuggets, and Kawhi Leonard responded with a memorable performance. With 39 points and near-perfect accuracy, the forward was the lynchpin of a 105-102 victory that evens the series 1-1 and leaves everything open before traveling to Los Angeles for the third duel. In a game full of tension, mistakes and key moments, Leonard's experience and talent made the difference.
A Comeback That Makes a Difference
Leonard, who had played only two postseason games in the last two years, looked like his best. He finished with 15 baskets on 19 attempts, showing total control of his movements and his usual coolness in important moments. His three-pointer at the halftime buzzer broke a 52-all tie and was the first serious warning that he was determined to dominate the game.
From the start of the game, it was noticeable that Kawhi was physically sound. After dealing with injuries that sidelined him from the start of the season, the 33-year-old veteran showed mobility, strength and reading the game. For Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, having Leonard fit is a guarantee of competitiveness. The player himself expressed his satisfaction at being able to return to these types of games after watching from the sidelines for two straight postseasons.
His performance was even more valuable when you consider that his teammates had a tough night: the rest of the team made just 39% of their shots. James Harden summed it up well at the end: "It looks like he didn't miss anything."
Mistakes that cost the Nuggets dearly
Denver had several opportunities to win, but let many advantages slip away. The most obvious difference was in the turnovers: they committed 20, many at key moments, something unusual for a team that usually takes better care of the ball. Nikola Jokic, who had another triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, also lost the ball seven times.
In addition, the Nuggets missed eight free throws. In a close game, those mistakes ended up being decisive. Coach David Adelman, who had won the previous four games since taking over for Michael Malone, acknowledged that these details tipped the scales.
The final play also showed the difficulties of the home team. Christian Braun hit a three-pointer that put excitement in the final seconds, but then Jokic missed his long-range attempt with one second left. It was the close to a night in which Denver could never quite stop Leonard or take advantage of its own moments.
Defense and Control of the Game, Key to Closing the Game
Beyond Leonard's offense, the Clippers were better able to control the close of the game. A key moment was Kawhi's own steal from Jokic with 37 seconds left. Although Harden failed to convert on the next play, that defense prevented Denver from taking the lead. Also important was the way Los Angeles managed to keep players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. from having a decisive impact down the stretch.
Murray, who finished with 23 points, could not find comfortable spaces in the final minutes. Porter, on the other hand, had a better performance than in the first game (where he only scored 3 points), but this time he was limited by physical discomfort after a fall in the last minutes. He sprained his left shoulder and although he assured that he will be able to play in Los Angeles, it will be important to see how he responds in the next game.
The Clippers' defense, more orderly and with fewer errors than in the first game, reduced the influence of the Nuggets' inside game, a usual strong point of the reigning champions.
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Even Panorama Heading for Los Angeles
With the series tied 1-1, Game 3, to be played Thursday night, will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the playoffs. The Clippers arrive with the confidence of having regained home-court advantage and with Leonard in great form. They are also on an unbeaten streak in back-to-back games since early March, which speaks to their ability to adjust between games.
Denver, on the other hand, will have to recover its best version, especially in decision making. Jokic is still the heart of the team, but he will need more care with the ball and help in key moments. In addition, Porter Jr.'s health will be an issue to follow.
The series promises strong emotions. With Kawhi leading the Clippers and the Nuggets looking to defend their title, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the most intense of the first round. The third duel will be key to define if the dominance changes hands or if Denver takes control again.
