Clippers Struggle Against Nuggets in Playoff Series Stalemate

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Denver Nuggets in a tightly contested playoff game on April 19, 2025, losing 112-110 in overtime. This game was crucial as it marked the first meeting of the teams in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with both having high hopes for the series.

The Clippers maintained a lead for much of the afternoon but let the game slip away due to turnovers and the Nuggets’ relentless offensive rebounds. A key factor in the loss was star player Kawhi Leonard‘s playmaking struggles. He had a disappointing game, recording only 2 assists against 7 turnovers as the Nuggets frequently double-teamed him, denying him clear passing lanes.

“They just wanted it more, and we didn’t execute down the stretch,” Leonard said after the game. He acknowledged that the Nuggets managed to expose weaknesses in his playmaking abilities under pressure.

The Clippers’ rotation raised some questions as well, particularly with the minutes given to players. Ivica Zubac played only 39 minutes in a game that went to overtime, while Leonard logged 41 minutes. Many felt that additional minutes might have made a difference.

Nuggets’ players Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic both played vital roles, with Murray scoring 23 points and Jokic nearing a triple-double with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.

Clippers’ shooting guards, Norman Powell and Bogdan Bogdanovic, struggled significantly. Powell scored 12 points with 4 turnovers, while Bogdanovic went scoreless, missing all five of his attempts from the field.

Despite the loss, Clippers’ James Harden had an impressive performance with 32 points and 11 assists, maintaining his aggressive style of play, which has been key for the team throughout the season.

The next game in this intense series is scheduled for April 24 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, where both teams will look to make adjustments for a crucial Game 3.