H1: Clippers Edge Nuggets 105-102 in Thrilling Game 2**
Subheading: Kawhi Leonard’s Late Heroics Lift LA; Denver Suffers Shocking Defeat
The Los Angeles Clippers have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Denver Nuggets, winning a thrilling 105-102 affair on Tuesday night at the Crypto.com Arena. In a game that went down to the wire, it was Kawhi Leonard who delivered the final blow, securing a hard-fought victory for the home side.
Late Game Drama
The final minutes of the game were filled with tension and excitement as both teams battled for supremacy. The Nuggets had held a steady lead throughout the fourth quarter, but the Clippers refused to go away quietly. With the score tied at 102 apiece, Leonard stepped up and drilled a tough fadeaway jumper with just under a minute remaining to give the Clippers a 104-102 advantage.
On the ensuing possession, Denver’s Jamal Murray missed a three-pointer that would have given his team the lead. The rebound was secured by the Clippers, and Leonard was fouled with just seven seconds left. The two-time NBA Finals MVP drained both free throws to ice the game, sending the Clippers faithful into a frenzy.
"We Just Wanted To Close Out The Game"
Kawhi Leonard spoke after the game about his team’s resilience and determination. "We just wanted to close out the game," said the Clippers forward. "We knew it was going to be tough, but we have a lot of confidence in each other."
Costly Nuggets Mistakes
The Nuggets will rue some costly mistakes that ultimately cost them the game. As noted by The Denver Post, "turnovers and missed shots down the stretch haunted the Nuggets in this one." Denver turned the ball over 17 times and shot just 41.7% from the field in the fourth quarter.
Clippers Stick To Game Plan
For the Clippers, the victory was a testament to their ability to execute their game plan. Head coach Tyronn Lue said, "We just stuck to our principles, and we made enough shots down the stretch to win the game."
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied 2-0, the Clippers will look to secure the series win in Game 3 when they travel to Denver on Thursday. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will be determined to keep their season alive and return the favor to the Clippers.
Did You Know?
Kawhi Leonard has now hit several clutch shots in the playoffs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the Clippers’ bench in this series. They’ve provided crucial contributions in both games so far.
FAQ
What’s the series score now?
The series score is 2-0 in favor of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Call-to-Action
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for all the updates and coverage of Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Leave your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below!
Multimedia
Kawhi Leonard celebrates after hitting the game-winning shot in Game 2