Clippers edge past Nuggets in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead in Western semis

The Denver Nuggets gave the Los Angeles Clippers all they could handle in Game 3, but after a back-and-forth fourth quarter, this series is around where we expected after three games. The Clippers lead the Nuggets 2-1 following a 113-107 victory Monday behind their two superstars. Paul George carried the offensive load with 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, but it was Kawhi Leonard that sealed the deal defensively with a critical block of Jamal Murray with his middle finger.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, wasted a dominant outing from Nikola Jokic, as their All-Star center finished the game with 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Murray’s inability to provide secondary scoring was the difference, as he went 5-of-17 from the field with Patrick Beverley hounding him all series. The pressure is now on Denver. If they can’t respond in Game 4, they could be done as soon as Game 5.