The Los Angeles Clippers will return home to the Intuit Dome for Games 3 and 4 of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets with a tied series after pulling off a 105-102 win in Game 2.
Kawhi Leonard was the architect of this win, putting up 39 points (15-19 FG, 4-7 3P), three rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block as the Clippers eked out a clutch win in what’s turning out to be the best series this season.
Leonard’s performance led to praise from coach Tyronn Lue in the post-game press conference, who was in awe of the ceiling the Clippers can have with a healthy Kawhi.
“This is what Kawhi lives for… We know if we have a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series. That shows you tonight what he’s capable of doing.”
“Every time someone gives up on him, he comes back,” Lue added.
This was one of the best performances we’ve seen from Kawhi in years, with Leonard looking at his fittest.
He’s averaging 30.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over two games, with the Clippers hoping he can unlock a new gear of production over Games 3 and 4 back at home.
Defeating the Nuggets is no easy feat, and Leonard’s heroics ensured that happened tonight. His performance was perfectly complemented by James Harden‘s 18 points (7-17 FG) and seven assists. Center Ivica Zubac had 16 points (6-10 FG) and 12 rebounds, while team scoring-leader Norman Powell disappointed with 13 points (5-14 FG) and three steals.
Kawhi might be getting his rightful praise right now, but the Clippers wouldn’t be in this position without Harden, who carried their offense as their second-leading scorer and primary playmaker in Kawhi’s absence. Now that the Playoffs are here, Harden is happy to have a player like Leonard by his side to come clutch when needed most.
“S**t, I feel like he ain’t miss a shot. His shotmaking ability is elite. That’s the aggressiveness we need from him… Big time player. He played big time tonight.”
The Nuggets saw Nikola Jokic put up a triple-double with 26 points (8-16 FG), 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss. Jamal Murray played his part with 23 points (9-17 FG) and six assists, while sixth man Russell Westbrook came off the bench for 14 points (5-11 FG). Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points (6-11 FG) and 15 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon had 14 points.
