Nuggets Seize Series Momentum With Commanding Win Over Clippers in Game 5

Nuggets Outgun Clippers to Snatch Series Lead

The Denver Nuggets sent a clear message in Game 5 of their heated playoff battle against the Los Angeles Clippers—they’re not just surviving, they’re stamping their authority. With a 131-115 win on their opponent’s home floor on April 29, 2025, Denver now finds themselves holding a 3-2 advantage, just one win away from punching their ticket to the next round of the NBA playoffs.

You could feel the tension in the arena as the game tipped off, but the Nuggets looked anything but rattled. From the start, Jamal Murray was in attack mode. He made tough jumpers look routine, kept the defense guessing with shifty footwork, and drained shots in big moments, finishing the night as Denver’s top scorer. Murray broke out in the second quarter with a flurry of points that pushed the Nuggets ahead, and the Clippers never managed to claw back into reach.

You can’t talk about Denver’s style without mentioning Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP played like a conductor, orchestrating his squad with an expert touch. By halftime, Jokić had already chalked up 8 assists, and he kept the offense humming with crafty passes inside and out. His ability to create opportunities pulled the Clippers’ defense apart at the seams, leaving guys like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon free to knock down open looks.

Clippers Falter Under Defensive Pressure

It wasn’t just Denver’s offense that caused the Clippers so many headaches. The Nuggets made smart defensive adjustments after a shaky start to the series, particularly by limiting L.A.’s three-point chances. Every time the Clippers tried to swing the momentum, they ran straight into a wall of disciplined team defense. Kawhi Leonard gave the Clippers hope with some tough buckets, but he was often forced into difficult shots by swarming defenders.

The numbers tell the story. Denver shot at a blistering percentage, sharing the ball and making the extra pass on nearly every possession. The Clippers, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc—usually one of their big weapons. Russell Westbrook and Paul George couldn’t pick up the slack, and L.A. trailed by double digits for nearly the whole second half. By the fourth quarter, the crowd was restless, and the Nuggets played with the confidence of a team in control.

Now, as the series shifts back to altitude in Denver for Game 6, the pressure cranks up for the Clippers. They’re facing elimination and looking for answers, especially on defense. The Nuggets, with Murray firing on all cylinders and Jokić pulling the strings, suddenly look like a team destined for a deep run—unless the Clippers can dig deep and spark a winner-take-all Game 7.