DENVER, April 21, 2025 —
Kawhi Leonard delivered a vintage performance Monday night, scoring 38 points and leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Leonard’s dominant outing, coupled with key contributions from Paul George and Norman Powell, helped the Clippers even the series at 1-1 after dropping Game 1 at home.
The two-time Finals MVP was in full command on both ends of the court, hitting clutch shots down the stretch and stifling Jamal Murray defensively in the fourth quarter. Leonard finished the game with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, making 14 of his 22 field goal attempts. His performance was a timely reminder of why he is regarded as one of the most efficient postseason players in NBA history.
“This is what Kawhi does,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. “When the moment is big, he shows up. He’s a machine out there. His focus, his poise—it’s what we need in games like this.”
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Nuggets showing resilience after falling behind early in the third quarter. Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, posted another double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds. However, he was visibly frustrated by the defensive schemes the Clippers employed, including Leonard’s ability to switch seamlessly onto him and contest his shots. Murray added 22 points, but it was not enough to overcome the steady play of the Clippers’ star duo.
The game’s pivotal moment came with just under two minutes remaining. With the Clippers leading by only three, Leonard drained a contested mid-range jumper over Michael Porter Jr., followed by a pair of free throws to extend the lead to seven. The Nuggets had no answer as time dwindled, with the Clippers sealing the win through efficient foul shooting and defensive stops.
Paul George, who struggled in Game 1, bounced back with a solid 24 points and 6 assists. His offensive contributions, including timely three-pointers and smooth mid-range jumpers, helped provide the necessary support for Leonard. Norman Powell, a crucial bench piece for the Clippers, also stepped up, scoring 14 points in 27 minutes of play, including a key three-pointer late in the game that put the Clippers up by six with under a minute left.
“I think we just needed to get back to what we do best—play hard and defend,” said George. “We know we’re capable of this, and it feels good to get the win. But it’s just one game. We’ve got to stay locked in.”
For Denver, the loss was a frustrating one, especially after the momentum they gained from their Game 1 victory. Despite Jokić’s efforts and a solid supporting performance from Murray, the Nuggets couldn’t capitalize on their offensive opportunities in the second half. Denver coach Michael Malone noted the team’s struggles in the final minutes, especially with their inability to get timely stops.
“Credit to the Clippers, they executed when it mattered,” Malone said. “We didn’t play with the same defensive intensity in the second half, and that’s something we’ll have to address going forward.”
With the series now tied, both teams will head back to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4. The Clippers, buoyed by Leonard’s brilliance and a collective team effort, will look to capitalize on the momentum, while the Nuggets will seek to regain their edge on their home court.
Game Notes:
Clippers’ Bench: Norman Powell (14 points), Ivica Zubac (9 points, 7 rebounds)
Nuggets’ Bench: Aaron Gordon (15 points, 5 rebounds), Bruce Brown (9 points)
The series resumes Thursday at the Staples Center, with Game 3 scheduled for 7:30 PM PT.