The Denver Nuggets faced a major setback in Game 3 of their first-round series against the LA Clippers, falling 117-83 on the road. After two fiercely contested games to open the playoffs, the Nuggets struggled to match the Clippers’ intensity in Inglewood. This loss leaves Denver trailing 2-1 as the series heats up.

Clippers Dominate as Nuggets Falter

Game 3 marked a dramatic shift from the previous matchups. The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, took control early and never looked back. Leonard delivered 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Harden and Norman Powell each added 20 points.[^1] On the other end, the Nuggets struggled to keep up with LA’s relentless offense and sharp shooting. Denver’s bench was outscored 31-6, highlighting the team’s depth concerns.

Nikola Jokic managed another triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, his efforts were largely neutralized by Ivica Zubac and the Clippers’ defensive strategy. Interim Nuggets coach David Adelman admitted after the game, "We got embarrassed today, but the bottom line is it’s just one game."[^(nba-com)]

Jokic Appears Worn Down

This season, Jokic has carried a heavy load for the Nuggets. The star big man played 46 minutes in Game 1 and most of Game 2. In Game 3, visible signs of fatigue and frustration emerged, especially as the Clippers built a commanding lead. Zubac, recognized as a finalist for the NBA’s Most Improved Player, played a critical role in challenging Jokic inside.[^1]

You can read more about how Jokic was worn down and the tactical moves that stifled his game in NBA.com's in-depth takeaways.

Westbrook’s Struggles and Nuggets’ Bench Woes

One glaring issue for Denver has been the lack of production from the reserves. Russell Westbrook, who joined the Nuggets this season, lasted just nine minutes before leaving with foot inflammation.[^1] That injury, coupled with lingering bench inconsistency all year, has put added pressure on Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the starters.

The Intuit Dome: A True Home-Court Advantage

Thursday night’s matchup was the first playoff game in the Clippers’ newly opened Intuit Dome. The electric atmosphere gave LA a notable boost, with fans making their presence felt—many donned horse hats aimed playfully at Jokic’s known passion for horses.[^1] Leonard attributed the team’s fast start to the crowd energy: "It was crackin’, it was loud. Just how I expected it to be,” he said.[^2] For more on what the Clippers' state-of-the-art venue means for the playoffs, check out ESPN’s comprehensive game recap.

What’s Next for the Nuggets?

Despite the blowout, the series is not over. The Nuggets have a chance to regroup before Game 4, scheduled for Saturday at the Intuit Dome. Denver’s path forward depends on how their stars recover and whether the supporting cast can step up. Both coach Adelman and Jokic have stressed the importance of meeting LA’s challenge head-on.

The Clippers, meanwhile, ride an eight-game winning streak and appear to be peaking at the right time. Kawhi Leonard, after struggling with injuries the past few seasons, is healthy and making a major impact. For more context on Leonard’s resurgence and what it means for this series, read the detailed analysis from AP News.

Summary

The Nuggets are at a critical point in their playoff push. They face adversity on the road and must find answers quickly if they want to extend their postseason run. With Jokic leading the way, Denver will look to even the series and reignite their championship hopes.

[^1]: Clippers 117-83 Nuggets (Apr 24, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
[^2]: Nuggets-Clippers: 5 takeaways as LA dominates Denver in Game 3 | NBA.com