James Harden silenced his critics with a commanding performance, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a hard-fought 111-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series.

Harden’s Bounce-Back Performance

After a disappointing Game 5 showing, Harden responded emphatically, dropping 28 points and dishing out 8 assists. His aggressive playmaking and clutch shooting kept the Clippers alive, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7 in Denver.

Kawhi Leonard complemented Harden’s efforts with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Norman Powell added 24 points off the bench. The Clippers’ defense tightened in the second half, limiting Nikola Jokić to just 5 second-half points after he had 20 in the first half.

Clippers’ Defensive Stand

Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum played a crucial role in containing Jokić, forcing him into tough shots and disrupting Denver’s offensive rhythm. The Nuggets, who had a chance to close out the series, struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch.

Jamal Murray led Denver with 21 points, but the Nuggets failed to capitalize on their late-game push. Despite cutting the Clippers’ lead to 107-101 with under two minutes remaining, Powell’s clutch three-pointer sealed the win for Los Angeles.

Game 7 Awaits

With the series now tied 3-3, the Clippers head to Denver for a winner-takes-all showdown. Harden’s resurgence has given L.A. renewed confidence, and head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the team’s resilience:

“We gotta respond. We blew them out in Game 3. They came back and responded in Game 4. We gotta do the same thing.”

The Nuggets, meanwhile, face the pressure of closing out a series they once led. Denver hasn’t won a Game 7 since 2020, adding another layer of tension to Saturday’s matchup.

With momentum shifting, all eyes will be on Harden and the Clippers as they attempt to complete their comeback and advance to the second round. Game 7 tips off Saturday in Denver.