Kawhi Leonard's Strong Opinion of Nuggets After Clippers Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 1:19 AM ET

It took the Los Angeles Clippers a near-flawless performance from Kawhi Leonard on Monday night to take down Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on the road.

Behind Leonard's incredible showing, especially on offense, the Clippers edged the Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, 105-102, and tied this best-of-seven series in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at 1-1.

Shortly after the game, Leonard shared his thoughts on the Nuggets after being asked about how the Clippers managed to stave off Denver down the stretch in enemy territory.

"Came down to stops at the end of the game," the six-time NBA All-Star said (h/t NBA on TNT).

"Great basketball team, especially at home, MVP caliber player with [Nikola] Jokic. Great guys around him, [Jamal] Murray and they're all playing great. Tough fight. That's what the playoffs are about."

"Same mentality"

Kawhi tells @laurenjbara his @LAClippers are laser-focused as they head home for Game 3 pic.twitter.com/WTi280PAtt
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 22, 2025

Leonard was at the top of his game in Game 2, as he scattered 39 points on an incredibly efficient 15-for-19 shooting from the field, including a 4-for-7 line from behind the arc in 39 minutes of action.

Despite the two-time NBA champion's huge performance, the Clippers won by only three points, as the Nuggets proved to be a tough customer in Mile High City.

Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while Jamal Murray had 23 points. Michael Porter rebounded from a poor outing in Game 1, producing 15 points with 15 boards, albeit in a loss.

Through two games in the series, the former San Diego State Aztecs star has racked up 61 points on a 70.6 field goal percentage. While that kind of efficiency is almost always bound to come down, the Clippers hope that Leonard will be able to sustain his form for Game 3 back home in Inglewood on Thursday.

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

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