The Denver Nuggets find themselves in unfamiliar territory after a 108-96 Game 3 loss to the LA Clippers, falling behind 2-1 in their Western Conference Semifinal series. In a game that saw flashes of the Nuggets’ potential, it was ultimately the Clippers who imposed their will with relentless defense, physicality, and timely shot-making.
What’s Working for Denver
There are bright spots, even in a tough loss. Denver’s bench, led by Christian Braun and Reggie Jackson, provided valuable minutes, injecting energy on both ends. Their transition game, when executed, gave the Clippers problems. And while the offense stalled at times, when the ball moved through Nikola Jokić, good things usually happened.
Defensively, Aaron Gordon showed his value guarding multiple positions, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s perimeter defense kept Paul George from getting too comfortable early on. But those efforts weren’t enough to overcome systemic issues that continue to plague the Nuggets.
Jokic was heated on bench during Nuggets 34-point loss 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/XXG3P79bzA
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) April 25, 2025
What’s Not Working
The biggest concern? Off-ball movement and offensive flow. Denver is relying too heavily on isolation and late-clock heroics, especially from Jamal Murray, who shot just 6-of-17 in Game 3. The Clippers are loading up on Murray and forcing tough shots—shots that were falling last year but aren’t sustainable over a seven-game series against a defense this locked in.
The Nuggets are also struggling on the glass, giving up too many second-chance points and offensive rebounds. Ivica Zubac had a field day in the paint, and LA’s physicality seems to be taking a toll.
What Nikola Jokić Can Do
Jokić finished with a near triple-double (24 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists), but even those numbers felt quiet. The Clippers have been throwing doubles at him earlier in possessions and daring Denver’s role players to beat them. To counter this, Jokić needs to become even more aggressive—especially in the low post—drawing fouls and collapsing the defense. But more importantly, he needs help.
Jokić can’t win this series by making the “right” play every time; sometimes, the right play is him taking over. A dominant Jokić—one that demands double teams and still scores—is Denver’s best path back into this series.
What Needs to Change for Denver
- Quicker Ball Movement – Too often, the Nuggets fall into stagnant sets that allow the Clippers to load up defensively. Speeding up decisions and cutting off the ball would punish double-teams more effectively.
- Better Use of Michael Porter Jr. – Porter is a scoring threat who’s being underutilized. He needs more touches in motion, not just catch-and-shoot looks. Involve him in pick-and-rolls or curls to get him going.
- Defensive Intensity for 48 Minutes – The Nuggets have been solid in spurts but need to sustain energy and communication, especially when the Clippers go small or space the floor.
- Bench Consistency – The bench unit showed life in Game 3. They’ll need to replicate that—and more—in Game 4 to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.
“That’s what makes this team so special” -James Harden 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y7f7uE6sTn
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 25, 2025
What the Clippers Are Doing Right
Tyronn Lue has crafted a game plan that’s both simple and smart: limit Murray, crowd Jokić, and make Denver’s role players prove themselves. Kawhi Leonard’s two-way dominance is a major factor, but perhaps the most impressive aspect has been LA’s defensive discipline. They’re switching effectively, closing out hard, and making Denver work for everything.
Offensively, the Clippers are keeping it straightforward—drive, kick, hit the open man. James Harden’s playmaking has been crucial, and when players like Norman Powell and Terance Mann knock down open threes, Denver is in trouble.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Game 4 is now a must-win for the Nuggets. Falling behind 3-1 would be a dangerous position against a Clippers team that’s getting healthier and more confident. Expect adjustments from coach Michael Malone, especially in how they generate offense early in possessions.
If Denver wants to reclaim control of the series, it starts with re-centering their identity: a balanced offense through Jokić, physical defense, and confident play from their secondary scorers.
The talent is there. Now it’s about execution.
What do you think the Nuggets need to change heading into Game 4? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter @thebball_junky
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