In a stunning Game 7 showdown, the Denver Nuggets claimed a decisive victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, winning 120-101 to advance to the second round of the 2025 NBA postseason. Despite being seen as underdogs entering the series, the Nuggets showcased their resilience and depth, marking their second seven-game series win against the Clippers in this decade. The Nuggets will now face the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins, starting this coming Monday.
The Nuggets displayed a balanced offensive attack in Game 7, with their core six players—Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Russell Westbrook—all contributing between 16 and 22 points. Jokić, who struggled to find his own scoring rhythm early in the game, pivoted to playmaker mode, notching six assists in the first quarter to set up his teammates. This strategy paid off, as the Nuggets surged to a remarkable 72 points in the combined second and third quarters, effectively sealing their victory.
The Clippers are left to ponder what could have been. They had a golden opportunity to take control of the series, having led by 15 points in Game 1 and faced a chance to equalize in Game 4, which ultimately slipped away. Following a lackluster performance from James Harden in elimination games—he scored only seven points on eight shots—Los Angeles heads home with a bitter taste of missed chances.
Despite being known as one of the most versatile defensive teams in the NBA, the Clippers struggled to contain the Nuggets when it mattered most. Denver scored 21 points in the opening 12 minutes of the game and followed that with 63 points in the next 20 minutes. With a commanding 25-point lead nearing the halfway point of the second half, it appeared clear that the Nuggets were en route to Oklahoma City.
In a bid to regain momentum, the Clippers made a significant lineup change, swapping Derrick Jones Jr. for Kris Dunn to start the third quarter after trailing by 11 at halftime. The strategy aimed to enhance their shooting capabilities across the board, but it ultimately fell short, as the Nuggets continued to exploit defensive weaknesses.
The Nuggets finished the game strong, with Jokić managing to rest briefly in the second quarter while the team continued to thrive, highlighting the depth of their roster. The win sets the stage for an exciting matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the Nuggets prepare for this challenge, the Clippers must regroup and reflect on their season, addressing the gaps that led to their playoff exit.
With Game 7 now behind us, the focus shifts to the next round as the Nuggets look to build on their momentum against a powerhouse Thunder team. Basketball fans can expect an exhilarating series ahead.
