Kawhi Leonard powered the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 on Monday, leveling the first-round playoff series at one game apiece.
Leonard finished with 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting, scoring 21 in the first half and delivering clutch plays down the stretch.
“It feels good for me, no matter which way the game goes,” Leonard said postgame. “I just want to be out there and play and be frontline with my team.”
Leonard, who had missed the last two postseasons due to injury, spoke about the support he’s received from teammates like James Harden during his recovery.
“To see that from your peers and hear that from them is great,” Leonard said. “I told several people before, just thanks for helping me through stuff and time, with injuries.”
Harden added 18 points and seven assists for the Clippers and acknowledged Leonard’s commitment to battling back from injuries.
Leonard explained his aggressive mindset in Game 2 after a turnover-heavy showing in the series opener.
“I just wanted to come out and get a win,” he said. “Some of my turnovers last game were just being aggressive… I think I just made shots tonight—shot a little bit more than I did last game.”
The Clippers weathered a strong start by the Nuggets, who led 31-25 after the first quarter, but Los Angeles outscored Denver in each of the final three periods.
Nikola Jokic posted his 19th career postseason triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but also committed seven turnovers and missed four free throws.
The Nuggets failed to score a fastbreak point after the first quarter and gave up 20 turnovers, which proved pivotal.
Leonard said he stayed locked in throughout the night, regardless of his early scoring rhythm.
“I just keep playing, try to stay in the zone,” he said. “Just focused on the next play, trying to win, get to my spot, and shoot.”
Norman Powell, who had struggled early in the series, scored 13 points and buried two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Leonard praised his teammates for staying ready despite early shooting struggles.
“They’ve been through it,” Leonard said. “It’s the same game—just a different title on it now: NBA Playoffs. If it’s early or late, that’s just how it is.”
A third-quarter scuffle between Kris Dunn, Powell, and Christian Braun led to technical fouls but did not disrupt the Clippers’ composure.
Leonard came up with a critical steal on Jokic with 37 seconds left, helping secure the win despite a missed three by Harden on the following possession.
Asked about his conditioning, Leonard responded, “I’m just happy that I’m able to move and come out of the game feeling well… That’s what I’m taking pride in—just being healthy.”
Tyronn Lue’s squad shot 48.2% from the field and hit 13-of-34 from deep, while limiting Denver to just 11 fastbreak points and 63.6% from the free-throw line.
Leonard said each playoff outing presents a new challenge.
“It’s always a different situation for me,” he said. “All I know is that I’ve been there before… Just leaving it all on the floor, and that’s what I take pride in.”
