NBA: Nuggets Rout Clippers in Game 7, Advance to Face Thunder

Last Saturday, the Denver Nuggets dominated the Los Angeles Clippers with a convincing 120-101 victory in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series. This clash between the two teams happened at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets won the series 4-3. Securing the win for the Nuggets allows them to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals. It is where the game gets more exciting as they’ll face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

The game started competitively, but the Nuggets quickly took control in the middle quarters. After a close first period, Denver outscored Los Angeles 72-40 combined in the second and third quarters. A crushing 24-4 run in the third quarter broke the game wide open. One of the most significant moments came when Aaron Gordon slammed home a dunk to push the lead to 82-54, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Denver’s home-court advantage and its altitude seemed to wear down the Clippers. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that home teams have won 113 of the 152 Game 7s in the history of the NBA.

The Nuggets’ win wasn’t powered by just one star but a whole team effort. Six players scored in double digits. Gordon led all scorers with 22 points, while Christian Brauns scored 21. Nikola Jokic put in a steady performance, nearly getting a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray each added 16 points of their own, and Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 15. Denver’s offensive balance and unselfish play left the Clippers struggling to respond.

On the other side, the Clippers never found a rhythm. Despite shooting a respectable 47.6% from the field, they were plagued by turnovers and poor transition defense. By the end of the third quarter, only Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr. had scored in double figures. The lack of offensive support and defensive lapses made it impossible for them to close the gap.

James Harden, in particular, had another disappointing Game 7. He scored just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting. Though he tallied 13 assists and five rebounds, the low scoring was glaring in a game of this magnitude. Harden declined to speak to the media after the loss, as he had following the team’s previous two defeats. His overall Game 7 record is now 3-4, with losses coming while playing for four teams.

Statistically, his performances in these high-pressure games have consistently fallen short. He’s shot 35.5% from the field and 22.4% from beyond the arc across his Game 7 career. For someone who once said, “I am not a system player, I am a system,” this continued trend raises questions.

This postseason run for the Nuggets is also notable because it’s under interim coach David Adelman. He took over late in the regular season after longtime head coach Michael Malone was fired. Despite the coaching change, Denver still finished as the No. 1 seed and looked poised and organized throughout the series.

Before Game 7, the series had been tight. Four of the six games were decided by six points or fewer, with two coming down to just two points. But in the decisive game, Denver left no doubt.

Next, the Nuggets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 1 is set for Monday, May 5, in Oklahoma City, with a 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT. It’s expected to be one of the most exciting postseason matchups.

Meanwhile, the Clippers head into the offseason with more questions than answers. The biggest one surrounds James Harden’s future. He holds a $36.3 million player option for next season. He can opt in and return, test free agency, or negotiate a new deal with the team. After another early playoff exit, the organization has tough decisions about the roster’s direction.

In the end, Denver’s Game 7 performance showed why they’re one of the top teams in the league. Their depth, composure, and energy overwhelmed the Clippers, whose season ended in disappointment. All eyes now turn to Oklahoma City as the Nuggets prepare for the next chapter in their playoff journey.