### Clippers Dominate Nuggets in Game 3, Take 2-1 Series Lead The Los Angeles Clippers showcased a commanding performance against the Denver Nuggets, winning 117-83 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. This victory not only marked the Clippers' first playoff game at the Intuit Dome but also gave them a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with a stellar stat line of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while James Harden contributed 20 points, all scored in the first half. The Clippers' defense was particularly effective, limiting the Nuggets' scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers, which played a significant role in their decisive win [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/kawhi-leonard-leads-clippers-rout-nuggets-series-lead-2025-04-25][https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2025-04-24/los-angeles-clippers-denver-nuggets-win-game-3-intuit-dome]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Player Performances**: - Kawhi Leonard: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists. - James Harden: 20 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds. - Norman Powell: 20 points. - Ivica Zubac: 19 points, 9 rebounds. - Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): 23 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists (triple-double). - Jamal Murray (Nuggets): 23 points. 2. **Game Statistics**: - Clippers shot 48.2% from the field. - 3-point shooting: 18 of 39 (approximately 46%). - The Clippers had six players scoring in double figures, showcasing their balanced offensive attack. 3. **Defensive Strategy**: - The Clippers employed a strong defensive strategy that stifled the Nuggets' offensive flow, leading to a significant margin of victory. - Denver's Russell Westbrook did not play in the second half due to left foot inflammation, impacting their performance [https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/04/los-angeles-clippers-vs-denver-nuggets-free-live-stream-42425-watch-nba-playoffs-online-time-tv-channel.html][https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nba-playoffs-2025-nuggets-clippers-h40065]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Scoring Breakdown**: - Clippers: - Leonard: 21 points - Harden: 20 points - Powell: 20 points - Zubac: 19 points - Nuggets: - Jokic: 23 points - Murray: 23 points - Gordon: 15 points - **Shooting Efficiency**: - Clippers' field goal percentage: **48.2%** - 3-point shooting percentage: **46%** (18 of 39 attempts) - **Game Context**: - This game was pivotal as it marked the Clippers' first playoff game at their new home, the Intuit Dome, and they capitalized on the home-court advantage [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/clippers-make-first-playoff-game-in-intuit-dome-memorable-rout-nuggets-by-34-to-take-2-1-series-lead][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/clippers-blow-nuggets-game-3-050313163.html]. ### Conclusion: Clippers' Path Forward The Los Angeles Clippers' emphatic victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 has positioned them favorably in the playoff series. 1. **Key Takeaways**: - **Dominant Performance**: The Clippers displayed a well-rounded team effort, with multiple players contributing significantly to the score. - **Defensive Prowess**: Their defensive strategy effectively neutralized the Nuggets' key players, particularly in the second half. - **Next Steps**: With Game 4 approaching, the Clippers will aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their home-court advantage to extend their series lead [https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/leonard-and-harden-lead-clippers-to-easy-117-83-20293822.php][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/kawhi_leonard_leads_clippers_rout_of_nuggets_for_series_lead/s1_17045_42102499].