Nuggets Dominate Game 7, Crush Clippers to Book Ticket to Face Thunder
Game 7. Big stage. Big pressure. But this time, the Denver Nuggets weren’t sweating it — they were shining.
With the memory of last season’s Game 7 collapse still lingering in the background like a bad movie, Nikola Jokic and his crew stormed onto the court Saturday night and left no room for doubt. The Nuggets blew past the Los Angeles Clippers with a commanding 120-101 victory in front of a fired-up home crowd at Ball Arena. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement.
Let’s just say this: Denver came to close, and boy, did they close hard.
Clippers Crushed by Third-Quarter Avalanche
The most brutal blow came in the third quarter. After Kawhi Leonard opened the half with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just eight (58-50), Denver flipped a switch and never looked back. They unleashed a jaw-dropping 17-0 run, turning the game into a full-on rout. The Clippers were stunned. The energy drained from them, while the Nuggets looked like they were having the time of their lives.
By the end of that third quarter, the scoreboard read 93-66. It was basically curtains.
Let’s Talk About That Firepower
This wasn’t just the Jokic show — though the big man still showed out with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. It was a full-team performance, and that’s what made it even scarier for future opponents.
🔹 Aaron Gordon lit it up with a team-high 22 points
🔹 Christian Braun had himself a breakout game with 21 points
🔹 Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook both chipped in with 16 points
🔹 Michael Porter Jr. added a solid 15
Yes, Russell Westbrook scored 16 — but in a twist, he did it for the Nuggets, not the Clippers.
Oh, How the Mighty Clippers Fell
The Clippers came into the playoffs red-hot, riding a surge after winning 18 of their last 21 games. But Saturday night, all that firepower fizzled out.
🔻 Kawhi Leonard led the team with 22 points, but he couldn’t carry the load alone.
🔻 James Harden? Just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting — a rough night at the worst time.
🔻 Ivica Zubac had arguably his quietest night of the series, finishing with just 10 points.
There were moments in the first quarter where L.A. looked like they might make it a game — they even led 26-21 after one. But that hope evaporated fast.
Denver’s Redemption Story
This win meant more than just a trip to the second round. It was redemption. The Nuggets had carried a chip on their shoulders all season after last year’s playoff meltdown, when they blew a 20-point second-half lead in Game 7 against the Timberwolves. That game ended their title defense in heartbreaking fashion.
And in this series? Don’t forget Game 4 — when Denver blew a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, only to be saved by a historic buzzer-beating dunk from Aaron Gordon. That was the kind of moment that shifts momentum. It reminded the team — and the fans — that this squad doesn’t fold anymore.
A Rowdy Home Crowd and... Clipper Fans?
Saturday night’s win wasn’t just about the players — the Ball Arena crowd brought the noise, especially as the lead ballooned. At one point in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook threw down a dunk, hung on the rim, swung like he was on a playground, and took a technical — just for the vibe. The crowd loved it.
Ironically, the Clippers tried to bring some energy of their own. Thanks to team owner Steve Ballmer, over 100 L.A. superfans were flown into Denver to create a mini "Wall" behind one of the baskets — mimicking the loud supporter section at the Intuit Dome. But those cheers? They quickly turned to silence as the Nuggets ran away with it.
Adelman Goes Deep Into the Bench
With a 111-81 lead and just over 5 minutes left in the game, Denver’s interim coach David Adelman figured it was safe to let his starters rest. He emptied the bench. Let the backups soak in some Game 7 glory, right?
Well, maybe not so fast. The Clippers suddenly went on a 7-0 run, and just like that, Adelman pulled a reverse card — sending his starters back in to make sure there was zero chance of a miracle comeback.
Still, even with the late push, L.A. never got closer than the teens. This time, Denver’s cushion was just too thick.
Nuggets’ Game 7 Masterclass — by the Numbers
Some impressive takeaways from this dominant win:
✅ Largest Game 7 win in Nuggets franchise history — +19 margin
✅ Built a lead as large as 35 points
✅ Outscored the Clippers 72-40 in the second and third quarters combined
✅ Closed the series after losing 4 of their last 5 closeout games
And guess what? The last time the Nuggets won a Game 7 — it was also against the Clippers, back in the 2020 Bubble, when they came back from a 3-1 series deficit. The more things change...
Next Stop: Oklahoma City
Now that the Clippers are in the rearview mirror, Denver shifts its focus to the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. And that’s going to be a heavyweight battle.
Quick preview:
📌 OKC swept the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1 and has been resting for a week
📌 The season series between the Nuggets and Thunder? Tied 2-2, with each team stealing a win on the road
📌 Youth vs Experience: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC’s young guns vs the championship-hardened Nuggets
Let’s just say — basketball fans should buckle up. This one’s going to be electric.
Final Thoughts
In a game where Denver could’ve folded under pressure or let bad memories resurface, they did the complete opposite — they dominated, energized their fans, and reminded the league that this squad is still dangerous. No flukes. No collapses. Just championship-caliber focus.
Whether it’s Jokic quietly dominating, Gordon soaring through the air, or Braun stepping up when it matters, this team has layers. And now, with a massive Game 7 win under their belt, they look ready to roll.
Thunder, you're on the clock.
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