The Los Angeles Clippers finished the Denver Nuggets in style after two close games. With just two and three points separating the winners in Game 1 and Game 2, this one turned into a blowout.
Kawhi Leonard once again led the game with an imperious performance, but his teammates chipped in this time, with James Harden putting on an offensive clinic.
Four players scored 19+ points as the Clippers prevailed 117-83. They shot the ball well, particularly from three-point land, posting 46.2%. With Game 3 done and dusted, the attention switched to Game 4 as Harden detailed the mentality needed to finish off the Nuggets.
James Harden Hypes Up Clippers Teammates for Game 4
NBA reporter Taylor Rooks questioned Harden on the team’s performance after what was a pretty comfortable win. Harden said, “On the road, our role players missed some shots they usually make. So tonight, it was a contribution from everybody. Everybody made shots, and we’re playing well. We played as a team.”
Significantly, Norman Powell caught fire with 20 points, shooting an impressive eFG% of 58.3. The bench points added up for the Clippers – 31 to the Nuggets’ measly 6. Rooks asked Harden for some insight into the mentality heading into Game 4, and the Clippers star simply outlined that the team needs to be locked in.
“Killer mentality. Protect the home court. We can’t get too hyped. We should do what we are supposed to do. We’re ready to go for Game 4. It’s a big game for us,” Harden said.
A 34-point win for @JHarden13 and L.A., he shared on the “killer mentality” the @laclippers have adopted for the #NBAPlayoffs with @TaylorRooks 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0N50MwILyf
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 25, 2025
The point-sharing within the Clippers roster didn’t end with Powell. Zubac mustered up 19 points and nine rebounds to add to the mix. Nicolas Batum and Derrick Jones Jr. were surprise contributors, combining for 22 points. Nonetheless, it was a total team performance.
“I think the first two games we played pretty good defense. The first game we had 20 turnovers, and the second one we had ten, and we gave ourselves a chance to win,” Harden said, lauding his team’s effort on the defensive side.
But as usual, Leonard picked up where he left off in Game 2.
Kawhi Leonard Rolls Back The Years, Toronto Raptors Style
When Leonard gets going, few in the league can really stop him. He scored 21 points, shooting an eFG% of 41.2, much lower than Game 2. But Leonard was a menace for Denver all night long.
He grabbed nine rebounds and provided six assists, bringing his teammates into play by dishing out some flashy assists. With a +/- of 18, he made a difference on both sides of the court. People call him Prime Leonard, but fans remember the devastating form he showcased during the legendary Raptors run in 2019.
He currently averages 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Don’t forget the elite pickpocket with 1.7 steals. Defense wins you games, and Leonard embodies that phrase better than anyone.
Game 4 promises to be fun, with the Clippers looking to take a 3-1 lead before they head to Denver.
