The Clippers and Denver Nuggets prepare to tip-off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. It was the first NBA playoff game ever at the team’s glitzy new arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden drives to the basket as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac looks to shoot as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, questions a call as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon looks on during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden tries to steal the ball from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gestures from the sideline during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard gets to the basket during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray handles the ball as Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, tries to pass while under pressure from Clippers guard Ben Simmons, left, and forward Nicolas Batum during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, dunks as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer cheers from his courtside seat during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden gets fouled by the Denver Nuggets’ Christian Braun during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman gestures from the sideline during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers fans taunt Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots as Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, right, defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac battle for a potential rebound during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, top, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac battle for a potential rebound during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, center, grabs the ball from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, and center Ivica Zubac celebrate after Harden scored and earned a three-point play opportunity during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, shoots as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, second from left, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, center Nikola Jokic, second from left, and forward Michael Porter Jr. defend during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, bottom, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) reach for a rebound during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, celebrates with guard Christian Braun after scoring during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, looks for a path around Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives past the Denver Nuggets’ Christian Braun during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, center, and center Nikola Jokic defend during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Nicolas Batum holds his follow-through as he watches his 3-point shot go in during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook, top, shoots as Clippers guard Ben Simmons defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden, center, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, and guard Russell Westbrook, right, defend during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, backs himself into Clippers guard Kris Dunn during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Patty Mills, left, and Denver Nuggets guard Jalen Pickett reach for a loose ball during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers fans taunt the Denver Nuggets from “The Wall” during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Clippers’ Jordan Miller handles the ball as the Denver Nuggets’ Zeke Nnaji defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, shoots as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, tries to shoot as Clippers guard Kris Dunn defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, complains about a call to referee Ray Acosta during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, shoots as Denver Nugget guard Christian Braun defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, shoots as Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, left, and center Ivica Zubac defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Kris Dunn, below, grabs a rebound away from Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, center, tries to shoot as Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, and forward Nicolas Batum defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, shoots as Clippers forward Nicolas Batum defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell celebrates after scoring during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell celebrates after scoring during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, shoots as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, gestures after scoring as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray looks on during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (10) greets forward Kawhi Leonard as he walks off the court during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, shoots as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, is greeted by teammates as he exits the game with a big lead during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Denver Nuggets’ Julian Strawther, left, and the Clippers’ Cam Christie chase after a loose ball during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Denver Nuggets’ Julian Strawther passes the ball as Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, top, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, second from left, and guard Julian Strawther defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, gestures after scoring as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray walks away during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue talks with guard Bogdan Bogdanovic during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Clippers’ Drew Eubanks come down after dunking during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Actor Keven Costner smiles after he caught a T-shirt during a timeout in Game 3 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Actor Kevin Costner enjoys during the first half of Game 3 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic tip-off during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Singer Jelly Roll, center, watches during from a courtside seat during the second half of Game 3 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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The Clippers and Denver Nuggets prepare to tip-off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. It was the first NBA playoff game ever at the team’s glitzy new arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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INGLEWOOD — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue has allowed himself at times to think about the what-ifs of past postseasons, times when the Clippers came up short or didn’t qualify at all.
But, as he pointed out, that was then, and this is now where the Denver Nuggets stand in their way of advancing in this season’s Western Conference playoffs.
And the here and now meant figuring out how the Clippers could play better in Game 3 on Thursday night than they did in the first two games of their best-of-seven first-round series.
“We got to play better. We have to play better. That’s our mindset,” he had said.
Lue didn’t have to wait long to see whether the Clippers would elevate their game against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. The Clippers put on a dominating display in a 117-83 victory in front of an energized, towel-waving sold-out crowd in the first postseason game at the Intuit Dome.
“It was cracking. It was loud. It was just how we expected it to be,” said James Harden, the Clippers’ veteran point guard. “You know what? That’s one of the reasons why we jumped out to a huge lead. I mean they got behind us and we just rode that wave.”
After the first two games were decided by a combined total of five points, this was a stunning result. The blowout gives the Clippers a 2-1 edge in the series going into Game 4 on Saturday afternoon at the Intuit Dome.
It was the kind of performance Lue was looking for from his veteran-laden team.
“This is what I was talking about. The guys played better,” Lue said.
Lue then gave an assist to the fans, calling their energy unbelievable and “very exciting. Our fans came out, they showed up and showed out.”
But it wasn’t just the fans who played a big role in the Clippers’ dominating victory over the Nuggets. Guard Norman Powell, who struggled to score in Games 1 and 2, came away with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including a 3-of-8 showing from 3-point range.
“Norm was huge for us tonight in scoring the basketball but also making the right play in the pick-and-roll, the blitzes and we got to build off of it,” Lue said.
Powell said the turnaround was a matter of believing in his abilities.
“My confidence never goes anywhere,” Powell said. “It’s about being steady, trusting the work and I know it’s always going to show the amount of time I’ve put into this game on the court, off the court, mentally, physically that’s what I do.
“It’s all mental. It’s just about staying even keeled and watching how you can improve and making those adjustments.”
Whether it was the familiar surroundings or the fans who cheered non-stop, something energized the Clippers, who led by 20 points in the second quarter and by as much as 25 before the night was over behind a balanced attack.
In addition to Powell, Kawhi Leonard had 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Harden scored all of his 20 points in the first half to go with nine assists and six rebounds.
Ivica Zubac added 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds, while Nicolas Batum added 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 10 as Clippers owner Steve Ballmer clapped his hands and pumped his fist from a seat near his team’s bench.
But it was the Clippers’ perimeter defense that helped slow the Nuggets, who shot just 7 for 25 from 3-point range (28%). The Clippers were 18 for 39 (46.2%) from long range, led by Batum, who was 4 for 6. Harden, Leonard and Powell each made three 3-pointers.
The Clippers controlled the boards, 48-38, and their bench outscored the Nuggets’ reserves, 31-6.
The Clippers kept Nuggets center Jokic off kilter in the second quarter, but the three-time league MVP still posted his 20th triple-double of the season with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.
“He’s the best player in the world and he was baiting us early on in the first quarter where we were coming and he saw us coming, but he acted like he didn’t and he was really picking us apart,” Lue said. “And so in that second quarter on through, we did a good job of just really selling out those corner cuts, kind of trying to stay at home, especially if Zu’s guarding him and just kind of mixing it up.”
Jamaal Murray added 23 points for the Nuggets.
“I like what we did defensively and it’s still going to be a tough series,” Lue said. “It ain’t over. We had a blowout. It’s only one game, so we got to be great to come and validate that on Saturday.”
The Clippers dug themselves into a hole early as they struggled to find the basket, giving the crowd little to cheer about.
But as the clock reached the final two minutes of the first quarter and the white towels began to whip around the arena, Harden found his touch, scoring 11 of the final 16 points of the period to give the Clippers a seven-point lead.
It was the kind of boost the Clippers needed. They outscored the Nuggets 23-2 over the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, riding that momentum to a 65-47 halftime lead.
Harden continued his first-half onslaught, and Batum added nine points on three 3-pointers as the Clippers held the Nuggets to 41.3% shooting (19 for 46) before the intermission.
“The first two games were very competitive. This game was not,” interim Nuggets coach David Adelman said. “But you can come back Saturday and you can right a lot of wrongs.”
Former Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook, who sparked the Nuggets to victory in Game 1, suffered a left foot injury in the second quarter and did not return.
Michael Porter Jr., who sprained his left shoulder late in Game 2, was limited to seven points and six rebounds.
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