Clippers Rally Past Nuggets to Force Game 7 Showdown in Denver
The first Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs is officially on the calendar, and the Los Angeles Clippers are the reason why.
In a high-stakes Game 6 at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers overcame recent struggles to edge the Denver Nuggets 111-105 on Thursday night, tying the Western Conference first-round series at 3-3. The deciding game will be played Saturday in Denver, with a spot in the second round—and a meeting with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder—on the line.
After a lopsided loss in Game 5, Los Angeles responded with a composed, all-around effort, driven by star power and key contributions off the bench. Kawhi Leonard finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while James Harden rebounded from a disappointing outing with 28 points and eight assists. Norman Powell added 24 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting night, including crucial fourth-quarter buckets that helped fend off a late Denver rally.
Ivica Zubac anchored the defense and helped contain Nikola Jokić, who was limited to just five points, two rebounds, and four assists in the second half. While the Nuggets typically dominate with their MVP on the floor, the Clippers held even during Jokić’s minutes and outscored Denver during key stretches, particularly during a 12-0 third-quarter run that gave Los Angeles its largest lead of the night.
Denver made a late push, cutting the deficit to five, but couldn’t overcome timely shot-making from the Clippers—and some questionable decision-making from Russell Westbrook.
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Harden Responds When It Matters
Harden entered the night with critics once again questioning his playoff pedigree. Game 5 in Denver had added fuel to the fire, as he scored only 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting amid loud “Harden sucks” chants from the crowd.
But Game 6 was a different story
From the opening tip, Harden played with renewed aggression, attacking the basket, distributing effectively, and hitting the dagger 3-pointer that all but sealed the game in the final minutes. It was the type of performance the Clippers needed—and the type Harden needed to quiet critics as he heads into yet another career-defining Game 7.
Clippers Lean on Batum’s Veteran Presence
One of the more underrated keys to the Clippers’ Game 6 win was veteran forward Nicolas Batum. Though not a flashy scorer, Batum has been the team’s quiet glue, especially on defense and in spacing the floor.
On Thursday, Batum played a series-high 34 minutes and finished with a team-best +11 plus/minus. He didn’t start the game but was inserted into the starting lineup to begin the second half—a move that paid off. With Kris Dunn struggling to make an impact, head coach Tyronn Lue could opt to start Batum in Game 7 to give the Clippers more perimeter balance and defensive versatility from the jump.
Batum’s influence has been evident throughout the series. Though averaging just 4.0 points per game this season, his basketball IQ, length, and defensive discipline have helped slow Denver’s wings and stretch the floor offensively.
All Eyes on Game 7
Saturday’s Game 7 in Denver promises to be electric. The Nuggets still have the home-court advantage and a battle-tested core led by Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. But the Clippers have shown they’re capable of rising to the moment—and with Harden, Leonard, and Powell clicking, they may just have the momentum edge heading into the final game of the series.
For Harden, it’s another opportunity to rewrite his playoff story. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to make a deep postseason run with their current core. And for the NBA, it’s the kind of drama only a Game 7 can deliver.
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