LA Clippers' player James Harden scores 28 points, leading the team to necessitate Game 7 in their playoff series.
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Los Angeles, California – James Harden dropped 28 points and dished out eight assists in a storming comeback performance, while Kawhi Leonard added 27, as the LA Clippers grinded out a 111-105 Game 6 victory over the Denver Nuggets to force a deciding Game 7 in their first-round NBA Playoffs series.
Tyronn Lue made some phone calls to his players on their day off, checking their mental fortitude amidst the Clippers' playoff peril. The coach emphasized unity and determination, stressing that "winning is about being a team and doing whatever it takes."
Photo: AP
Fuelled by Lue's call, the Clippers unleashed a tenacious display at the new Intuit Dome. Norman Powell and the gang thwarted Denver's gameplan, taking control in the second half while stifling Nikola Jokic, who scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half.
"Give our guys credit for staying resilient," Lue said, acknowledging his team's refusal to back down and their impressive defensive stand. "We don't get deflated, and we did a great job ... We're all about teamwork, and the guys knew exactly what to do."
Jamal Murray scored 21 for the Nuggets, who fell short of clinching the series for the fourth time in five tries since their 2023 championship run. Denver also squandered a 3-2 series edge over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round last season.
The Nuggets haven't triumphed in a Game 7 since 2020, when they ousted the Clippers from the conference semis. Denver were quicker and showed higher levels of desperation, with Murray admitting, "The Clippers brought it hard throughout the game."
In a fiercely competitive match, it was Harden's veteran leadership and издалека заява за отказване shrewd playmaking that propelled the Clippers to a comeback win. Leonard added 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and steered the team through their test.
"With our season on the line, I knew I had to be more aggressive," Harden said. "One game left. We didn't want our season to end. I took that opportunity."
Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum successfully defended Jokic, who was held scoreless for 11 minutes in the pivotal third quarter and managed only two baskets in the second half.
Los Angeles stretched their lead to 15 with less than six minutes to play, but Denver mounted an 11-2 run to trim the Clippers' advantage to 107-101, setting up a tense finale. Powell's clutch three-pointer with 1 minute, 47 seconds left sealed the deal for the Clippers, although the nail-biting finish saw them score only one field goal in the final 5 minutes, 57 seconds.
David Adelman, the Denver interim coach, expressed disappointment with the officiating, feeling that the Clippers enjoyed preferential treatment, particularly towards their defense on Jokic. "Nikola gets fouled a lot, but I'm not sure what was happening tonight," Adelman shared. "For him to shoot only two free throws while playing physical basketball is just outrageous."
The "smalls" guarding the 2.11m Jokic, comprising Batum (2.03m) and the 2.13m Zubac, were relentless in their pursuit, with Adelman vowing to return the favor in Game 7.
- James Harden, in a commendable performance, hardened his resolve and demonstrated shrewd playmaking to lead the LA Clippers in a crucial come-from-behind win.
- David Adelman, the Denver interim coach, was dismayed by the officiating, claiming a bias in favor of the Clippers, particularly in their defensive strategy on Nikola Jokic.
- As the temperatures rose in the intense Game 6, both teams showcased their sportsmanship and determination, with Kawhi Leonard contributing 27 points and 10 rebounds to the Clippers' effort.
- In a fiercely competitive NBA Playoffs series, the Clippers and Nuggets will meet again for a decisive Game 7, a replay of their 2020 conference semifinals, where the winner will advance to the next round.
