BJ Mathews is the host of the THE PULL UP! Basketball Podcast. He is a Clippers credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article, Statement Win: Kawhi Harden Power Clippers to 2-1 Lead with Record Night at Intuit Dome, he recaps the Clippers big game 3 win against the Denver Nuggets.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — — The Los Angeles Clippers held their first playoff game at the Intuit Dome with a massive 34-point victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Kawhi Harden Power Clippers: Clippers Dominate on Both Ends
Kawhi Leonard had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 117-83 victory Thursday night that gave the Clippers a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
“We just made shots. We made 18 threes tonight,” Leonard said. “I think we were able to out rebound them as well. We limited their second chance points and that’s pretty much it.”
James Harden and Norman Powell contributed 20 points apiece six three pointers together. This season, Harden and Powell have been one of the best scoring duos in the league.
“Yeah, my confidence never goes anywhere,” Powell said. “It’s all just about, I said it yesterday, just riding a wave, just being steady, trusting the work. I know it’s going to always show.”
BJ Mathews, credentialed correspondent representing thePeachBasket, asks James Harden and Kawhi Leonard questions post game
Nuggets’ Struggles and Jokic’s Dilemma
Denver Nuggets Head coach David Adelman agreed that the Clippers consistent hot shooting was the main factor for the 34 blowout. “Well, I mean, they shot the hell out of the ball.” Adelman said.
The Clippers as a team shot 18-39 which is 46.3% from beyond the arc. Leonard, Harden, Powell, and Nicolaus Batum were responsible for most of the three-point field goals made.
On the other side, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. Jamal Murray followed up with 23 points, and Aaron Gordon added 15 points.
The beginning of the second quarter was the start of a long night for the Nuggets. Harden going on an 8-2 run by himself, and Batum going 4-6 from the 3-point line, while also guarding on the defensive end of the ball. Both Jokic and Murray had high respect for Batum.
“He’s a great player. Think people forget how good he is. He’s a threat from the three-point line and so versatile defensively and so smart that helps them a lot,” Jokic said.
For the Nuggets to have a chance, it starts with Jokic where the question is becoming should he be more aggressive.
“I mean I don’t know. I’m just trying to play the game how I know how to play the game,” Jokic said. “Maybe I should be. Maybe I shouldn’t. As long as we have an open look, I think we need to be satisfied.”
Murray and Jokic combined to score 16 points in the third, when the Nuggets trailed 90-70.
The Intuit Dome Effect
Game 4 between the Nuggets-Clippers will be Saturday afternoon right back at the Intuit Dome. The crowd seemed to have a big impact in this game that certain players felt it.
“Good game one at Intuit. It was cracking. It was loud, just how we expected to be,” Harden said. “That’s one of the reasons why we jumped into a huge lead.”
Injury Updates and What’s Next
The Nuggets have some guys who are banged up Russell Westbrook who is questionable for game 4 with a foot injury. Michael Porter Jr (shoulder) and Aaron Gordon (groin) are still being managed day by day as they are playing in games.
Game 4 will be a game that either keeps the Clippers in the driving seat, or the Nuggets making it a series once they return home to Denver.
