Los Angeles Clippers Extend Series to Game 7 with 111-105 Win Over Denver Nuggets

The 2025 NBA playoffs are set for their first Game 7, with the Los Angeles Clippers staging a comeback to force a deciding game against the Denver Nuggets after a thrilling 111-105 victory on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome.

The Clippers bounced back from a blowout loss in Game 5 with a balanced team effort that saw key contributions from Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac. With the series now tied 3-3, the winner will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.

Clippers’ Key Players Lead the Charge

Kawhi Leonard was a standout, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while James Harden provided offensive firepower with 28 points and eight assists. Norman Powell was crucial in keeping the Clippers’ momentum, scoring 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

Powell’s clutch scoring came in the fourth quarter, when the Nuggets closed the gap after trailing by 15 points. Ivica Zubac also played a key role, especially in limiting Denver’s star center, Nikola Jokić. Zubac’s defense helped hold Jokić to just five points, two rebounds, and four assists in the second half, limiting his impact as the game progressed.

The Nuggets briefly threatened with a late push, trimming the Clippers’ lead to five points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a Game 7. The Clippers’ defense, particularly in the third quarter where they went on a 12-0 run, ultimately proved decisive.

James Harden Responds After Game 5 Struggles

James Harden entered Game 6 under heavy scrutiny after a subpar performance in Game 5, where he struggled to deliver in the face of a hostile crowd. In contrast, Game 6 saw a more aggressive Harden, including a critical three-pointer that effectively sealed the win for the Clippers. Despite past playoff shortcomings, Harden has the opportunity to exorcise his demons in the upcoming Game 7.

Clippers’ Nic Batum Shines with Increased Role

Veteran forward Nic Batum emerged as a significant factor in the Clippers’ win, providing solid defense and perimeter shooting. Although Batum averaged just 4.0 points per game during the regular season, his contributions in this series have been invaluable. He played a season-high 34 minutes in Game 6, helping the Clippers outscore the Nuggets by 11 points during his time on the floor.

Batum’s presence was felt even more as he started the second half for the first time this series. It’s possible that the Clippers could continue to rely on him in Game 7, potentially starting him over Kris Dunn as they look to take advantage of Batum’s defensive prowess and floor-spacing ability.

Looking Ahead to Game 7

As the series moves to Denver for Game 7, the Nuggets will need to adjust to the Clippers’ evolving game plan. The high stakes of the upcoming match will determine which team advances to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.