Clippers Counter Jokics Triple-Double with Clutch Performance to Even Series

The Los Angeles Clippers edged out the Denver Nuggets with a close 105-102 win at Ball Arena.

Nikola Jokic showcased his skills by scoring 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting, along with 12 rebounds, ten assists, and three steals. Despite his impressive performance, the Nuggets now find themselves tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven series of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google.

The Serbian star noted that he contributed to the team’s 20 turnovers with seven of his own. “I had quite a few, particularly towards the end,” he stated in the post-game press conference. “They were really aggressive, constantly putting pressure on us and the ball.”

Reflecting on a missed three-pointer in the final moments, Jokic admitted, “Maybe I should have passed to Jamal. He was gaining some momentum, but it’s difficult to think clearly in those moments.” Jamal Murray scored five of his total 23 points during the fourth quarter.

For the Nuggets, coach David Adelman’s squad was without Slovenian Vlatko Cancar and Croatian Dario Saric in Game 2 on Monday.

Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout performance with 39 points, including a crucial basket to secure the win. Ivica Zubac of Croatia added a solid double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Off the bench, Nicolas Batum from France contributed six points, four rebounds, two steals, and a block, while Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic managed to bounce back from five missed shots with two assists, one steal, and one block.

The series now shifts to the Intuit Dome, with Game 3 scheduled for Thursday.

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