Clippers lock up 2nd seed in West with win around Nuggets

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Paul George scored 27 points, Kawhi Leonard had 26 and the Los Angeles Clippers wrapped up the second seed in the Western Convention playoffs with a 124-111 victory over the 3rd-seeded Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night time.

The Clippers will encounter seventh-seeded Dallas when the playoffs get heading subsequent 7 days.

The Clippers took command with 13 straight details halfway as a result of the third quarter and scarcely let the Nuggets get back again in it.

George and Leonard ended up large explanations why. George manufactured two 3-tips midway as a result of the period, and Leonard sprinted to midcourt on a defence possession, picked off a go at mid-courtroom and glided in for a basket.

Los Angeles took the lead for very good with 10 minutes remaining on Lou Williams’ jumper and steadily developed the gain to double digits on the way to its second straight win about the Northwest Division champions.

Williams was the third Clipper with 20-furthermore points, ending with 23.

Jerami Grant, who missed Denver’s very last game due to damage, led the Nuggets with 25 details. It was the third time in the earlier four games Grant, who arrived in averaging fewer than 12 points a video game, went for 20 or extra factors.

Nikola Jokic completed with 17 details and 13 helps, but sat a lot of the fourth quarter as coach Mike Malone selected to relaxation many of his top line gamers down the stretch.

Idea INS

Nuggets: Denver coach Mike Malone finished his afternoon media session with a shoutout to an additional Mile Large City group searching to make its playoff mark, declaring “Go Avs” as he still left. The Colorado Avalanche beat Arizona in Activity 1 of their NHL playoff sequence Wednesday. … Starters Will Barton III and Gary Harris, both starters, continued their absences. Barton has ideal knee soreness and Harris correct hip muscle pressure.

Clippers: Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell have both of those returned to the NBA’s bubble, whilst neither could enjoy as but. Beverley is working with a remaining calf pressure. … Ivica Zubac had 15 details and a group-superior 12 rebounds for Los Angeles.

UP Next

Nuggets: Participate in Toronto on Friday.

Clippers: Play Oklahoma Town on Friday.