Ben Simmons scores first NBA playoff points since 2021 as Clippers win against Nuggets
Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points as the Los Angeles Clippers evened their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 105-102 win on Tuesday (AEST).
“It feels like he didn't miss a shot,” James Harden said. “His shot-making ability is elite.”
Good thing, too, because his teammates were a combined 26 of 66.
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“I made shots tonight,” Leonard said. “I just keep playing, try to stay in the zone no matter if I’m making or missing shots.”
Kawhi Leonard. Getty
And the fifth-seeded Clippers needed every bit of his brilliance to snatch the homecourt advantage in the series from the fourth-seeded Nuggets.
“This is what Kawhi lives for, getting healthy for the playoffs,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “We know if we've got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”
After appearing in just two playoff games over the last two years, the 33-year-old two-time finals MVP is healthy and looking like his old self after missed the first 34 games of the season because of lingering issues with his surgically repaired knees.
“I'm just happy I'm able to move, you know, coming out of the game feeling well,” Leonard said. “I sat and watched these playoff games the last two years, so yeah, to be front-line out there, it feels good.”
Australian star Ben Simmons came off the bench for a couple of short stints, recording two points, one rebound and one assist for the Clippers.
Nikola Jokic and Ben Simmons tussle in the playoffs. Getty
The bucket was Simmons' first in the post-season since 2021.
Simmons entered the fray in the first quarter to guard Nikola Jokic and made an impact on both sides of the ball, before coming back on during the third quarter.
Jokic recorded his 19th career playoff triple-double, but it wasn't enough for the Nuggets, who will now look to regain the series lead on Friday (AEST).
Jokic had an uncharacteristic seven turnovers and missed four of 10 free throws.
