The Los Angeles Clippers secured a dominant 117-83 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday in Game 3 of their first-round series. It was an all-around team effort by the main guys for the Clippers. Three stars finished with at least 20 points, led by Kawhi Leonard.
The two-time champion had 21 points and 11 rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the 3-point area. Leonard also had six assists as he got his teammates involved. Norman Powell and James Harden had 20 points apiece. Powell was aggressive and had a 58.3 percent shooting clip from the field. Harden added nine assists in the game.
However, one of the biggest stories for the Clippers was Ivica Zubac’s outing.
The Clippers’ starting center had 19 points and nine rebounds. He battled against the three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, who had a triple-double for the Nuggets. Jokic had 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists on an efficient 64.3 percent shooting from the field.
After their big win, Leonard talked about how they stayed aggressive, which allowed them to win. The All-Star forward also highlighted their teamwork, as they trusted each other and it got them 26 assists.
“Just attacking the paint, being aggressive, trusting our teammates, passing them the open shot and we knocked it down tonight,” Leonard said.
“Everybody came out. The Wall! was great, cheering all night!“- Kawhi Leonard on the first playoff game at @IntuitDome pic.twitter.com/o3GhUUbOJe
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 25, 2025
Leonard spoke highly about their aggressive approach. He also mentioned that his mentality isn’t solely on scoring the basket. Rather, he’s got his eye on making plays for his teammates.
“Just being aggressive. It’s not about me scoring, I gotta make plays for my team. They’re gonna put two in the ball… that’s the name of the game.”
On Saturday, the Clippers look to protect their home court and play Game 4 at Intuit Dome.
Past players for the Los Angeles Clippers attended the game
It was a historic game for the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Their win over the Nuggets was the first playoff game and win for the home team at the new arena, the Intuit Dome. In celebration, some familiar faces attended the game.
Former All-Star guard for the Clippers, Chris Paul, was in attendance. Fans were energized when the camera focused on him. Paul was one of the engines of L.A.’s Lob City team with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. CP3 spent six seasons with the team and averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists and 2.2 steals.
Chris Paul received a HUGE applause from Clipper fans when shown on big Halo Board screen. That had to feel good for him. pic.twitter.com/AgDwjfT6TG
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 25, 2025
Another former guard for the organization watched the game live. Patrick Beverley came to Los Angeles to show support for the team he played for four years. With the Los Angeles Clippers, Beverley averaged eight points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Ivica Zubac's biggest fan is in the building.
👋 @patbev21 pic.twitter.com/SgpIXPKmWL
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 25, 2025
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
