INGLEWOOD, Calif. − The Los Angeles Clippers trailed for most of the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets before turning things around and giving the home fans something to cheer about after securing a 117-83 victory in the Intuit Dome’s playoff debut.
After a slow start from Kawhi Leonard, he found a rhythm and helped the Clippers pull away with the Game 3 win to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.
Leonard produced a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He also had six assists.
“That was like opening night stuff,” Clippers veteran Nicolas Batum said. “We kind of messed up our (regular season) opening night in October against Phoenix. … (The fans) were amazing, expecting them to be even better on Saturday.”
Coach Tyronn Lue and Leonard were among those who also spoke highly about the fan support from the Wall, which is the Clippers-only fan section at the Intuit Dome, and its location near the Nuggets’ bench.
“Everybody came out,” Leonard said. “The Wall was great and cheering all night.”
The Nuggets led the Clippers for the first 10:30 of the opening period before James Harden’s two-point shot from four feet put the Clippers ahead of the Nuggets.
The shot put the Clippers ahead 29-28 against the Nuggets with 1:30 left first quarter.
It was a lead they wouldn’t give up for the rest of the game and used a 13-0 scoring run to bolster a 42-28 lead.
Harden had 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds and Norman Powell added to the scoring attack with 20 points of his own.
David Adelman comments on Clippers’ fan section
Fans of the Clippers rallied Wednesday following comments made by Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman.
Adelman spoke to the reporters regarding “the Wall” and the arena’s sound.
“They have the crowd toward our bench,” Adelman said Wednesday. “It’s like a high school crowd, which is actually really cool. And the other thing is they pump sound in the place. That place is so loud… so that building, it’s very loud whether the crowd is cheering or not.’
Members of the Wall found a horse hat at their seats to wear before the game. Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is known to have a love and passion for horses and harness racing.
Adelman was asked during his pregame media availability on Thursday about the horse hat.
“That could be a motivational factor. Hopefully, not to go home,” Adelman said. “I do think it’s unique that they’re trying this. I think it’s really cool. I know people got out of sorts because I said ‘pumping noise’ or whatever. It’s just really loud… I love what they’re doing here.
“The NBA needs more of that. More creativity. That’s what we used to know when I grew up… I miss that, so it will be cool to be a part of it.”
Westbrook injury update
Russell Westbrook was a limited participant for Thursday’s game after being injured during pregame warmups.
Westbrook scored three points, a rebound and an assist in nine minutes of play.
Westbrook had left foot inflammation and was considered questionable after rolling his ankle. He shot 1-for-5 from the field (all attempts from the three-point line).