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James Harden Doesn’t Hold Back After Kawhi Leonard's Big Game in Clippers-Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 1:51 AM ET

Facing the potential of falling down a 2-0 series hole in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Kawhi Leonard put on his cape and carried the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-102 victory in Mile High City Monday night.

With that win at Ball Arena in Denver, the Clippers managed to tie the series up at 1-1, as they now prepare for two consecutive games at their home.

Leonard played Game 2 of the Nuggets series as though everything was on the line. The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year had a brilliant performance that's not going to be forgotten soon, scoring 39 points on 15-for-19 shooting from the field, including four 3-pointers.

Leonard was 9-for-10 from the floor in the first half and closed out the contest with a 6-for-9 shooting in the nail-biting fourth quarter.

Just like most Clippers fans, LA star guard James Harden was left in awe of Leonard's incredible display on offense.

"I feel like he didn't miss a shot," Harden said about his teammate's performance (h/t Justin Russo). "His shot-making ability is elite. That's the aggressiveness that we need from him. ... He just got to his spot and raised up. Big time player. He played big time tonight."

Harden played a supporting role behind Leonard, as he let the two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player take over for the Clippers, who overcame an 18-rebound disadvantage against the Nuggets to pull off the win. "The Beard" had 18 points on 7-for-17 shooting while Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell produced 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Leonard and the Clippers will look to grab the series lead in Game 3 on Thursday at their shiny new home of Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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