• The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-105 in Game 6, forcing a Game 7.
• James Harden scored 28 points, and Kawhi Leonard added 27 for the Clippers.
• The Clippers' defense effectively limited Nikola Jokic in the second half, contributing to their victory.

The Los Angeles Clippers, with their season on the line, secured a crucial 111-105 victory against the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series. The win, fueled by standout performances from James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, levels the series at 3-3 and sets the stage for a decisive Game 7 in Denver. The Clippers' improved defense, particularly in containing Nikola Jokic, proved pivotal in the second half.

• What: The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-105 in Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series to force a Game 7.
• Who: Key players include James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell (Clippers), Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray (Nuggets). Coaches Tyronn Lue (Clippers) and Michael Malone (Nuggets).
• When: The game took place on May 1, 2025. Game 7 is scheduled for May 3, 2025.
• Where: The game was played at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Game 7 will be in Denver.

The Clippers' victory was a result of a renewed focus and aggressive play, particularly from Harden and Leonard. Their defensive adjustments on Jokic in the second half proved crucial, disrupting the Nuggets' offensive flow. The Nuggets' inability to close out the series, coupled with their past struggles in potential series-clinching games, raises questions about their mental fortitude. The upcoming Game 7 in Denver will be a test of both teams' resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

I give our guys credit for just staying with it. (They) don’t get deflated, and we did a good job. ... I told the guys after the game, it’s about being a team and whatever it takes to win. Those guys totally understood it.

They were quicker to the punch. They played with a lot more desperation because their backs were against the wall, and you’ve got to give them credit. The whole game, they brought it.

It was win or go home, so there were opportunities to be aggressive, and I took them. One more game. ... We didn't want to go home. We've got one more game left.

The Clippers' Game 6 victory, fueled by James Harden's 28 points and Kawhi Leonard's 27, has indeed forced a decisive Game 7 in Denver, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. While the Clippers displayed resilience and a much-improved defensive performance, particularly on Nikola Jokic in the second half, the Nuggets face mounting pressure to rediscover their closing prowess, something they've struggled with since their 2023 championship run. The Nuggets haven't won a Game 7 since 2020 when they eliminated the Clippers. The winner of this pivotal Game 7 will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, while the loser's season will abruptly end, marking a significant turning point in their respective playoff journeys.