Image Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard’s Historical Performance Fuels Clippers to Top Nuggets in Game 2 of Playoffs Round 1

Kawhi Leonard crossed the 3,000 career playoff points mark

Image Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

The LA Clippers took down the Denver Nuggets 105-102 in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Monday, April 21 at Ball Arena in Denver. With the win, they have now tied 1-1 as the Nuggets opened the series with a 112-110 win. The game saw Kawhi Leonard in his vintage form, where he dropped 39 points, three rebounds, and five assists. He had two steals and was shooting 15-19 from the field, 4/7 from the threes and 5/5 from the free-throw line.

With this, he became the first player in the league to come up with such stats in a playoff game. Not only this, but Leonard also recorded a 92% TS, and is now the 11th player in the league to have a game with 35+ points on 90% TS. Moreover, in his quest to lead the team to even the series, the superstar forward crossed the 3,000 career point-mark in the playoffs. This was Leonard’s 36th career playoff game with over 30 points, which is the fifth most among active players.

PLAYOFF KAWHI LEONARD pic.twitter.com/IUHArgyk1R
— Real Sports (@realapp_) April 22, 2025

Owing to his heroics, the Clippers made a sound comeback in the game after trailing the first quarter 31-25. Apart from him, James Harden chipped in 18 points, three rebounds, and seven assists while Ivica Zubac came up with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Norman Powell tallied 13 points and three assists for the Clippers. On the other hand, Nikola Jokic recorded his 19th career playoffs’ triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jamal Murray contributed 23 ponts, two rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets.

3,000 career points in the #NBAPlayoffs for Kawhi Leonard 👏@CoorsLight | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/kvTo9vVDBw
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 22, 2025

‘We Don’t Appreciate How Great He Is’ – James Harden Believes Kawhi Leonard Doesn’t Get Enough Appreciation

After the win, the Clippers’ star James Harden heaped praise on his teammate, Kawhi Leonard. He said that Leonard doesn’t get enough appreciation. Harden also said that fans and pundits always pick on him when he isn’t able to perform, but never talk about his incredible performances.

The 35-year-old said, “Not even a little bit. It’s always negative. It’s always what he’s been through and what he’s not able to do. Just because of something he can’t control.”

Also Read: LA Clippers Coaching Staff – All about the Clippers Head Coach, Assistant Coaches and Other Coaching Staff

Harden continued, “We don’t appreciate how great he is when he’s actually out there and putting up performances like this tonight… It’s always the negative, It’s always the hate. It’s something we gotta live with I guess in this world. For me being closer to him, and every single day seeing the work he puts in, you appreciate him.”

In Game 3 of the ongoing series, the Nuggets will visit Los Angeles on Thursday, April 22.

Also Read: LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Timeline: What is in store for Clippers-Nuggets Game 3?

2025 NBA Playoffs

Denver Nuggets

Kawhi Leonard

LA Clippers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.