May 04, (THEWILL) – The Denver Nuggets dominated the LA Clippers with a decisive 120-101 victory in Saturday’s Game 7, booking their place in the Western Conference semi-finals. After trailing 26-21 at the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets surged ahead in the second period and never looked back, establishing a commanding lead that effectively ended the Clippers’ playoff run.
Russell Westbrook proved instrumental in Denver’s success, particularly during a pivotal second-quarter stretch when he connected from beyond the arc, drew a foul, recorded consecutive steals, and assisted Aaron Gordon during a 10-2 scoring run. The former Clippers’ energetic performance alongside young talent Peyton Watson helped Denver build momentum while star player, Nikola Jokić, rested, addressing what had been a persistent weakness for the team.
All five Denver starters contributed double-digit scoring figures in the comprehensive win, with Jokić finishing just two assists shy of a triple-double. The victory was a significant turnaround for a Nuggets team that has faced criticism regarding their bench depth throughout recent seasons, an issue that reportedly contributed to the dismissal of former coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth late in the regular season.
The Clippers struggled to match Denver’s intensity, particularly in transition, where the Nuggets outscored them 14-4 on fast breaks during the first half. James Harden, who logged 46.5 minutes in Game 6, appeared fatigued with just two field goals and two turnovers before halftime. When LA attempted to adjust by starting Batum in the second half, Denver responded with a devastating 17-0 run that effectively sealed the outcome.
The Nuggets will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, carrying momentum from this emphatic victory. Their triumph is proof of how Denver’s reconstituted bench unit, featuring both veteran leadership and youthful energy, might provide the balanced support their star-laden starting lineup needs to mount a serious title challenge.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
