Nicolas Batum and the Clippers regain home court advantage in Denver
Nicolas Batum (6 points on 2/5 three-point shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in 18 minutes) and the Clippers managed to turn things around Monday night in Denver with a 105-102 victory over the Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard, who displayed exceptional shooting, carried his team to help them regain home court advantage before the next two games in Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard stifles Denver, Batum valuable in the shadows
With 39 points on 15/19 shooting, Kawhi Leonard delivered a leader’s performance at Ball Arena. After long absences during the last two playoff campaigns, the two-time NBA Finals MVP seems to be finding his best form at the right time. « I’m just happy to be on the court and feeling good, » he stated after the game.
K.A.W.H.I.
39 POINTS
5 ASSISTS
2 STL
15-19 FG
4-7 3PFun Guy is back.pic.twitter.com/gPBnR6Z80C
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) April 22, 2025
Well supported by James Harden (18 points on 7/17 shooting and 7 assists), Leonard made the difference in key moments, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer at halftime and a crucial steal with 37 seconds remaining. On the other side, Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double (26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists), but also had 7 turnovers and 4 missed free throws, which proved costly.
Nicolas Batum contributed with his characteristic discretion. In 18 minutes, the French international scored 6 points on 2/5 three-point shooting, while grabbing 4 rebounds and recording 2 steals. A valuable contribution in Tyronn Lue’s perimeter rotation.
The next meeting is set for Thursday night at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles for an already decisive Game 3. Since the beginning of March, the Clippers haven’t lost two games in a row. This is an encouraging sign in this tight series, which has also been marked by an unexpected coaching change on Denver’s side, with David Adelman replacing Michael Malone at the last minute.
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