Nuggets vs. Clippers: Game 6 Thriller Sets Up Decisive Game 7 Showdown in NBA Playoffs

Clippers Surge Past Nuggets in Game 6 to Set Up Epic Game 7

If you’re into NBA history, you’ll want to remember this first-round playoff series between the Clippers and Nuggets. Game 6 was a roller coaster—momentum switched back and forth, the crowd felt every basket, and the fate of both teams hung in the balance. The Clippers pulled off a gritty 111-105 win Thursday night in LA, shocking a strong Denver squad and forcing a winner-takes-all Game 7.

Kawhi Leonard returned with his signature calm under fire, making tough shots on offense and locking guys up on defense. But it was James Harden who truly stole the show. He didn’t just fill up the box score—he smashed it: 51 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. Harden cooked from deep, bullied his way inside, and controlled the offense like a maestro. For every Nugget run, Harden had an answer, either scoring himself or dishing to open teammates.

On the other end, the Nuggets struggled to find a rhythm beyond Nikola Jokic’s passing and Jamal Murray’s slashing. In this game, Christian Braun’s three-point struggles were hard to overlook. The wing shot just 19% for the series, and defenses dared him to shoot, giving Denver fewer easy options. Still, effort wasn’t the problem—the Nuggets fought for every loose ball, and Aaron Gordon threw down a ferocious dunk that nearly tore the roof off.

• James Harden scored 51 points, delivered 13 assists, and grabbed 13 boards—putting the team on his back.
• Ivica Zubac sent away several key shots, stopping Denver’s attempts to close the gap late in the fourth.
• Payton Watson nailed a huge corner three, keeping the Nuggets within reach.
• Norman Powell showed zero nerves, scoring clutch buckets as the clock ticked down.

The defenses stiffened up late, with both coaches dialing in the double teams. Jamal Murray had a highlight-reel block on Harden, briefly swinging momentum to Denver. But jus as quickly, the Clippers found a response with quick passes and second-chance points. The free throw line made a big difference—LA got to the stripe more often, cashing in points when shooting got tough.

Game 7: One of the Best NBA First-Round Battles Ever?

This series has been about stars stepping up and role players fighting for every inch. The lead changed hands over a dozen times in Game 6, and no team managed to break away. For the Clippers, this was a total team win, with solid contributions up and down the roster. Tyronn Lue’s adjustments, from switching coverages to stretching the floor with shooters, kept Denver guessing. On the Nuggets’ bench, Michael Malone pushed his guys to crash the boards and play physically, knowing full well that anything less simply wouldn’t cut it.

Now, everything comes down to Game 7. The winner moves on, the loser faces a long summer of what-ifs. Basketball fans love a good drama, and this first-round matchup has turned into must-watch TV. Game 7 promises all the energy, nerves, and wild moments you could ask for in playoff basketball.