The threes are falling. The stingy defense suffocated the Denver Nuggets all-game long.
And the rowdy fans inside the Intuit Dome played their part in the first playoff game held inside the building.
THE WALL AT THE INTUIT DOME DOING IT'S JOB 👏
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2025
Advantage goes to the LA Clippers, but head coach Tyronn Lue knows there’s more work to do.
“It ain't over because we had a blowout…the series is far from over, ” Lue insisted in the aftermath of the Clippers 117-83 Game 3 blowout against the Nuggets to wrest a 2-1 series lead in the West first round battle.
[ALSO READ: Balanced Clippers issue 34-point drubbing of Nuggets in Game 3 to gain 2-1 series edge]
The 2016 champion coach did, however, credit their fans for providing the Clippers a big boost in notching their second straight win of the series after losing the opener in Denver.
“Our fans were unbelievable tonight. To be able to play our first playoff game at Intuit Dome, it was very exciting. They showed up and showed out.”
Harden, who dropped all of his 20 points in the opening half, agreed to his coach’s assessment.
“It was crackin,’ it was loud. That's one of the reasons why we jumped out to a huge lead. They got behind us and we just rode that wave,” the 35-year-old superstar added.
James Harden on the Intuit Dome's playoff debut:
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2025
"It was just how we expected it to be... they got behind us and we just rode that wave."#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google https://t.co/04TA82Ilx9
Harden was referring to LA’s 23-2 run that broke the game wide open, flipping a 19-26 first-quarter deficit into a 42-29 lead in the second frame.
The Clippers drilled 19 threes overall, held the Nuggets to their lowest scoring output of the season, and earned 16 points off Denvers’ 16 turnovers.
CLIPPERS GET IT DONE AT HOME, TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2025
“It’s only three games, but I like our approach and what we did defensively,” Lue noted.
Kawhi Leonard, who dropped 39 points in Game 2, had 21 but grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out six assists. Norman Powell also tallied 20 markers while Ivica Zubac poured 19.
“Everybody contributed. It was a great game for us all,” Leonard spoke.
LA tries to aim for a 3-1 lead when they play the Nuggets in Game 4 on Sunday, April 27.
