Apr 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; LA Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) brings the ball up courtroom towards the Golden State Warriors throughout the third quarter at Chase Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Edwards-Imagn Photographs Kawhi Leonard’s resume is full of stellar postseason performances and he twice has been named the NBA Finals MVP.
His troublesome proper knee has hindered him in current seasons, however he is again in high type because the Los Angeles Clippers put together for Recreation 3 of their Western Convention first-round sequence towards the visiting Denver Nuggets on Thursday night time.
Leonard poured in 39 factors on 15-of-19 capturing as Los Angeles evened the best-of-seven sequence at a sport apiece with Monday’s 105-102 victory in Denver. It marked the thirty sixth time he has scored 30 or extra factors in a playoff sport.
Leonard is averaging 30.5 factors on 70.6 p.c capturing (24 of 34) by means of the primary two video games of the sequence.
“I am simply blissful that I will transfer and popping out the sport feeling effectively,” Leonard informed reporters. “That is what I am taking my satisfaction in, simply being wholesome. I’ve sat and watched these playoff video games and sequence for the previous few years. So having the ability to be within the entrance line on the market, it simply feels good for me, regardless of which method the sport goes.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue sees the distinction in having a wholesome Leonard who can simply deal with the sport and never be derailed by bodily points.
“That is what Kawhi lives for, getting wholesome for the playoffs,” Lue stated. “We all know if we have got a wholesome Kawhi, we will win any sequence.”
The fifth-seeded Clippers play the subsequent two video games at dwelling after splitting in Denver. James Harden can also be taking part in effectively, with averages of 25 factors and 9 assists, whereas Ivica Zubac has contributed 18.5 factors and 12.5 rebounds per sport.
The fourth-seeded Nuggets received the sequence opener 112-110 in additional time on Saturday. However in Recreation 2, they had been sloppy and dedicated 20 turnovers.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic dedicated seven turnovers to take the shine off his nineteenth profession playoff triple-double. He had 26 factors, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“We had 20 turnovers, and I had lots of turnovers, particularly late within the sport,” Jokic stated. “I had that turnover to Kawhi, the place I threw him the ball. I had that turnover to (teammate) Peyton (Watson), which was dangerous. They had been aggressive defensively, attacking us and attacking the ball.”
Jokic is averaging 27.5 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds within the two video games. Sidekick Jamal Murray is averaging 22 factors, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon has marks of 19.5 factors and 7 rebounds.
With the primary contest determined in additional time and the Nuggets lacking two 3-pointers within the remaining seconds of Recreation 2, Jokic does not see a lot distinction separating the 2 foes.
“I feel we may be down 2-0 or up 2-0,” Jokic stated. “This sequence has had an incredible two video games, and in case you are a basketball fan, that is the most effective basketball you possibly can watch. We now have had a aggressive two video games.”
Monday’s loss was the primary for Denver in 5 video games underneath interim coach David Adelman. He moved over a seat on the bench when Michael Malone was surprisingly fired late within the common season.
Adelman cited the 20 turnovers that led to 21 Los Angeles factors and eight missed free throws (in 22 makes an attempt) as main issues.
“You may’t miss eight free throws in video games like this,” Adelman stated. “That was a killer.
“Clearly, factors off turnovers, identical to in Recreation 1. We received that battle, and (Monday), they received that battle. Video games like this that grind and the possessions are so robust, these simple baskets going the opposite method are such a killer.”
–Subject Stage Media
