Denver, Colorado, advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after a commanding 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 of their playoff series. The Nuggets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next matchup, with Game 1 set to begin on Monday.
In a performance marked by dominance, Denver established a lead of up to 31 points. The Nuggets outpaced the Clippers with a stunning 72-40 advantage during the second and third quarters, showcasing their offensive prowess. Notably, Denver made history as the first team to outscore an opponent by at least 15 points in multiple quarters of a Game 7.
Aaron Gordon led the charge for Denver, contributing 22 points, while rookie Christian Braun followed closely with 21. The Nuggets made headlines by becoming the first team in Game 7 history to feature six players who each scored 15 points or more. This balance in scoring illustrated their teamwork and depth, contrasting sharply with the Clippers’ reliance on individual performances.
Kawhi Leonard was the only Clipper to break the 15-point mark, finishing with 22 points. Meanwhile, James Harden struggled significantly, managing just seven points on a dismal 2-for-8 shooting performance. This adds to Harden’s troubling history in postseason play, as he has now shot below 30% in four consecutive Game 7s, tying him for the longest streak in the league’s playoff history.
The Nuggets’ offensive surge was complemented by their defensive efforts, which stifled the Clippers’ scoring opportunities. This combination of scoring and defense proved to be a winning formula as Denver solidified their place in the next round of the playoffs.
Following this impressive victory, the Nuggets look to maintain their momentum against the Thunder. With a talented roster and a strong game plan, Denver aims to continue its playoff journey and compete for the championship.