NBA: Clippers Cruise To 117-83 Victory Over Nuggets, Take 2-1 Series Lead

The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Denver Nuggets 117-83 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their playoff series. After two close contests, the Clippers left no room for drama, racing to a 35-28 first-quarter lead and stretching it to 65-47 by halftime. James Harden led the charge early with 20 first-half points, while Norman Powell added 20, including 12 in the third quarter to shut the door on any Nuggets comeback. Kawhi Leonard contributed a well-rounded performance with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists as the Clippers cruised at home to reclaim momentum in the series.

NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Patty Mills
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill

Los Angeles Clippers guard Patty Mills, left, and Denver Nuggets guard Jalen Pickett reach for a loose ball during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Nikola Jokic
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, left, and center Ivica Zubac defend during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Michael Porter Jr.
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Norman Powell
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell celebrates after scoring during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Jamal Murray
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum defends during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Norman Powell
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, second from left, and guard Julian Strawther defend during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Ivica Zubac
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, shoots as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, gestures after scoring as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray looks on during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: James Harden
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, center, and center Nikola Jokic defend during the first half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Inglewood, California.

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NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Ray Acosta
NBA 2024-25: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers | Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, right, complains about a call to referee Ray Acosta during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Inglewood, California.

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