Kawhi Leonard had 21 factors and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers rolled to a 117-83 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets to take a 2-1 lead of their first-round playoff sequence Thursday night time.
James Harden and Norman Powell added 20 factors apiece within the first playoff recreation on the new Intuit Dome, the place Clippers superfans sitting in The Wall part closest to Denver’s bench wore horse hats mocking Jokic’s love of the animal.
After the groups cut up the primary two video games in Denver — a pair of nail-biters determined by a mixed 5 factors — this one was a blowout. Each groups cleared their benches within the remaining 4 1/2 minutes.
Recreation 4 is Saturday on the flashy and tech-heavy Inglewood area, the dream creation of Clippers billionaire proprietor Steve Ballmer. He animatedly clapped his fingers and pumped his fist from his seat close to his workforce’s bench.
Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 factors, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his second triple-double of the sequence. Jamal Murray additionally had 23 factors.
Denver led by seven early earlier than the Clippers took a 20-point lead within the second quarter.
They outscored the Nuggets 23-2 over the tip of the primary quarter and begin of the second, with Harden scoring 11 factors.
Murray and Jokic mixed to attain 16 factors within the third, when the Nuggets trailed 90-70.
The Clippers hit 18 3-pointers to seven for Denver. They managed the boards, 48-38, and their bench outscored the Nuggets’ reserves, 31-6.
Denver’s Russell Westbrook, who missed 4 of 5 from lengthy vary, left the sport with left foot irritation within the second half. Michael Porter Jr., who sprained his left shoulder in Recreation 2, was restricted to seven factors and 6 rebounds.
There have been reminders of the Clippers’ outdated Lob Metropolis period of their new constructing. Former Clipper Chris Paul seemed on from the seats, whereas DeAndre Jordan performed 5 minutes for the Nuggets.
Reporting by The Related Press.
Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Get extra from Nationwide Basketball Affiliation Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
