Denver, Colorado — The Denver Nuggets showcased their prowess in a decisive Game 7, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 to advance to the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The victory marked a strong finish for the Nuggets, who will now face off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The first round of this playoff series was anything but straightforward. The Nuggets and Clippers opened the competition with two nail-biting games. Denver edged out the Clippers in an overtime thriller, taking Game 1, but Los Angeles struck back in Game 2 to even the series. Game 3 saw the Clippers surge ahead with a commanding 117-83 win, temporarily seizing control with a 2-1 lead.
However, the series took a dramatic turn in Game 4, where a last-second dunk by Aaron Gordon propelled the Nuggets to a 101-99 victory, leveling the series once more. This pivotal moment showcased the Nuggets’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Following their dramatic Game 4 win, the Nuggets secured a 3-2 advantage after a high-scoring 131-115 victory in Game 5. The Clippers managed to respond in Game 6, claiming a narrow 111-105 win at home, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Game 7 showdown.
Game 7 offered a startling contrast to the earlier contests, as the Nuggets displayed dominance from start to finish. Their strong performance has raised questions for the Clippers, who entered the playoffs with high expectations. Despite a fully healthy Kawhi Leonard, a standout James Harden, and promising contributions from Ivica Zubac, they fell short of their goal to progress beyond the opening round.
As the Clippers head into the offseason, they face uncertainty. With no clear path for significant changes, they may need to re-evaluate their roster and strategy as they prepare for the next season.
The series concluded with the following results:
– Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110
– Game 2: Clippers 105, Nuggets 102
– Game 3: Clippers 117, Nuggets 83
– Game 4: Nuggets 101, Clippers 99
– Game 5: Nuggets 131, Clippers 115
– Game 6: Clippers 111, Nuggets 105
– Game 7: Nuggets 120, Clippers 101
The Nuggets will now look ahead to their matchup against the Thunder, eager to build on their momentum and make a deeper playoff run. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Denver can capitalize on their Game 7 triumph as they march forward in the quest for an NBA championship.