The Los Angeles Clippers aren’t done yet—and James Harden made sure of it.
With their season on the line, the Clippers delivered a gritty 111-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome. Powered by a determined performance from Harden and strong support from Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, the Clippers tied the first-round NBA playoff series at 3-3, forcing a must-watch Game 7 in Denver on Saturday.
James Harden Responds to Criticism with a Statement Game
After a rough outing in Game 5, James Harden silenced his critics in Game 6. The 35-year-old veteran scored 28 points and dished out eight assists in a bounce-back performance that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the NBA’s best playmakers.
Harden was aggressive from the opening tip, attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and controlling the tempo. He also nailed several key shots in crunch time, helping the Clippers maintain their lead during Denver’s late push. It was the kind of playoff game that Harden had been needing to quiet doubts about his postseason impact.
Leonard, Powell, and Defense Seal the Win
While James Harden led the way, Kawhi Leonard was close behind with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Leonard looked like his vintage self—efficient, composed, and clutch when the game got tight.
Norman Powell stepped up big-time off the bench, adding 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting. His crucial three-pointer with just under two minutes left gave the Clippers breathing room after Denver cut the lead to six.
Defense also played a major role in the Clippers’ win. Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum did an exceptional job containing Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, especially in the second half. Jokić scored 20 of his 25 points before halftime but went just 2-of-9 in the second half and was held scoreless for 11 straight minutes in the third quarter.
Denver’s Late Push Falls Short
Despite being down by 15 with under six minutes to play, the Nuggets refused to go away quietly. A furious 11-2 run brought them within six points, but missed opportunities in the final minutes doomed their comeback hopes.
Russell Westbrook, playing against his former team, missed a contested layup and had another shot blocked on back-to-back possessions. Jokić had a shot denied by Zubac with just 24 seconds left. The Nuggets simply couldn’t crack the Clippers’ defense when it mattered most.
Nuggets Continue Game 7 Struggles
This will be the Nuggets’ first Game 7 appearance since 2020—ironically, when they eliminated the Clippers in the conference semifinals inside the NBA bubble. But since their 2023 championship, Denver has had a tough time closing out playoff series.
Thursday marked the third time in the last two seasons that the Nuggets have failed to clinch a series when leading 3-2. Last year, they blew a similar lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Now, they’ll have to fight to avoid a similar fate.
Jamal Murray scored 21 points for Denver, but couldn’t replicate his 43-point explosion from Game 5. The Nuggets never looked fully comfortable in Game 6, and they’ll need a sharper performance at home to avoid an early playoff exit.
Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue Sparks a Response
After a frustrating loss in Game 5, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue took the unusual step of calling his players on their off day to gauge their mindset. “I took a lot of temperatures,” Lue said, explaining that he wanted to make sure the team was mentally ready to fight for its playoff life.
That move appeared to work.
The Clippers played with energy and urgency, resembling the team that stormed into the postseason with eight straight wins and 18 wins over their final 21 games. They executed their game plan, played tough defense, and didn’t fold when Denver tried to mount a comeback.
What’s Next: Game 7 in Denver
All eyes now turn to Game 7 on Saturday in Denver. With the series tied and momentum swinging back and forth, anything can happen.
For James Harden, Game 7 presents another opportunity to rewrite the narrative surrounding his playoff performances. Historically, Harden has struggled in Game 7s, but his Game 6 effort suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets must regroup quickly. They’ll need big performances from Jokić, Murray, and their supporting cast to put the Clippers away for good. Denver hasn’t won a Game 7 in four years—and the pressure will be on in front of their home crowd.
Final Thoughts
The Clippers’ Game 6 win was all about resilience and leadership—two things James Harden brought in full force. After facing heavy criticism, Harden delivered when it counted most, helping keep the Clippers’ season alive.
Now, it all comes down to one game. The stage is set for a dramatic finish to the Nuggets-Clippers series, and with Harden locked in, the Clippers are confident they can finish the job.