NBA playoffs: Clippers knocked out by Nuggets in decisive Game 7 contest for spot in next round | Basketball Highlights

The Denver Nuggets asserted their dominance over the Los Angeles Clippers with a decisive 120-101 victory in the decisive Game 7 of their NBA playoff series, setting the stage for a second-round showdown against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoffs.
Aaron Gordon led the scoring charge for the Nuggets with 22 points, complemented by Christian Braun’s 21-point effort, and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s multi-faceted performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. The team’s balanced scoring and tenacious defense made it a daunting challenge for the Clippers on Saturday.
Despite entering the playoffs with a strong finish, winning 18 of their last 21 regular-season games, the Clippers couldn’t withstand the momentum. A major factor was the subpar performance of James Harden, who managed only 7 points on 2 out of 8 shooting.
Kawhi Leonard led the charge for the Clippers with 22 points, although the team’s initial lead in the first quarter quickly dissolved as the Nuggets outscored them 37 points in the second quarter, taking firm control of the game. A 17-0 run in the third quarter further widened the gap, with the Nuggets leading 75-50.
Even with Nikola Jokic sitting out part of the fourth quarter due to foul trouble, the Clippers couldn’t mount a significant comeback. The Nuggets’ 54-42 advantage in the paint and their significant rebounding advantage underscored their superiority.
“Every player came to play. Everyone was ready, and the energy from the home crowd was incredible,” said Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who contributed 16 points to the win.
Russell Westbrook, making his presence felt against his former team, added 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals, including a memorable play that drew a technical foul and further energized the crowd.
Despite finishing the regular season tumultuously, with David Adelman stepping in as interim head coach after Michael Malone’s termination with three games remaining, the Nuggets are set to face the Thunder, who claimed a league-best 68 victories, with Game 1 of the second-round series slated for Monday, featuring a showdown between MVPs Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.