Kawhi Leonard’s resume is filled with stellar postseason performances and he twice has been named the NBA Finals MVP.
His troublesome right knee has hindered him in recent seasons, but he’s back in top form as the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.
Leonard poured in 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting as Los Angeles evened the best-of-seven series at a game apiece with Monday’s 105-102 victory in Denver. It marked the 36th time he has scored 30 or more points in a playoff game.
Leonard is averaging 30.5 points on 70.6 percent shooting (24 of 34) through the first two games of the series.
“I’m just happy that I’m able to move and coming out the game feeling well,” Leonard told reporters. “That’s what I’m taking my pride in, just being healthy. I’ve sat and watched these playoff games and series for the past few years. So being able to be in the front line out there, it just feels good for me, no matter which way the game goes.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue sees the difference in having a healthy Leonard who can just focus on the game and not be derailed by physical issues.
“This is what Kawhi lives for, getting healthy for the playoffs,” Lue said. “We know if we’ve got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”
The fifth-seeded Clippers play the next two games at home after splitting in Denver. James Harden is also playing well, with averages of 25 points and nine assists, while Ivica Zubac has contributed 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
The fourth-seeded Nuggets won the series opener 112-110 in overtime on Saturday. But in Game 2, they were sloppy and committed 20 turnovers.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic committed seven turnovers to take the shine off his 19th career playoff triple-double. He had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“We had 20 turnovers, and I had a lot of turnovers, especially late in the game,” Jokic said. “I had that turnover to Kawhi, where I threw him the ball. I had that turnover to (teammate) Peyton (Watson), which was bad. They were aggressive defensively, attacking us and attacking the ball.”
Jokic is averaging 27.5 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the two games. Sidekick Jamal Murray is averaging 22 points, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon has marks of 19.5 points and seven rebounds.
With the first contest decided in overtime and the Nuggets missing two 3-pointers in the final seconds of Game 2, Jokic doesn’t see much difference separating the two foes.
“I think we can be down 2-0 or up 2-0,” Jokic said. “This series has had a great two games, and if you are a basketball fan, this is the best basketball you can watch. We have had a competitive two games.”
Monday’s loss was the first for Denver in five games under interim coach David Adelman. He moved over a seat on the bench when Michael Malone was surprisingly fired late in the regular season.
Adelman cited the 20 turnovers that led to 21 Los Angeles points and eight missed free throws (in 22 attempts) as major problems.
“You can’t miss eight free throws in games like this,” Adelman said. “That was a killer.
“Obviously, points off turnovers, just like in Game 1. We won that battle, and (Monday), they won that battle. Games like this that grind and the possessions are so tough, those easy baskets going the other way are such a killer.”
