Kawhi Leonard delivered a stellar performance, dropping 39 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a crucial 105-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets, leveling their first-round play-off series at 1-1.
The 33-year-old was unstoppable, converting 15 of his 19 shots as the Clippers rebounded from their overtime loss in game one.
Denver had a chance to force another overtime thriller, but Christian Braun missed a three-pointer with six seconds left, and Nikola Jokic failed to capitalize on the rebound.
Leonard’s dominance drew praise from teammate James Harden, who called his shot-making ability “elite.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue echoed the sentiment, stating, “This is what Kawhi lives for. If we have a healthy Kawhi, then we can win any series.”
Jokic put up a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 23 points for the Nuggets, who will look to reclaim their advantage in game three on 25 April.
