The Los Angeles Clippers advanced to Game 7 by defeating the Denver Nuggets 111-105 in a thrilling contest. The decisive win came after James Harden’s early explosive performance, which set the tone for the game.
Harden scored 21 points in the first half, utilizing his downhill drive and smart passes to exploit the Nuggets’ defense. The Clippers adapted their offense by opening up the floor and employing more guard/guard pick-and-roll plays, while using Nicolas Batum to keep the floor spaced.
Harden’s impressive performance carried over into the second half, where he finished with 28 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Kawhi Leonard added 27 points, ten rebounds, and five assists, while Paul George scored 24 points.
The Clippers’ victory was also attributed to their strong team defense, which held Nikola Jokic in check for much of the game. The three-time MVP scored just five points on 2-of-9 shooting in the second half. Denver’s Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also had notable performances, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Clippers’ balanced attack.
Los Angeles will now face off against Denver in Game 7, which is set for Saturday at 7:30pm ET. The series has been closely contested throughout, making this matchup all the more deserving of a decisive seventh game.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/too-much-james-harden-early-good-clippers-defense-late-forces-game-7-vs-nuggets-with-111-105-win