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00:00You're watching the first round presented by NerdWallet to E.J. and the gang in Atlanta after this.
00:13We welcome you back from Into a Dome as we continue on on this Thursday night in Southern California.
00:20Santa Monica Pier all lit up on a beautiful night.
00:23But 58-57, the Clippers in their home arena have a one-point lead as we get ready for the third quarter.
00:30Brian Anderson along with Stan Van Gundy.
00:32We'll hear from Lauren in just a moment.
00:34And Stan, you talked about the Stars have to deliver in games of this magnitude, and they certainly have so far.
00:39Yeah, they have.
00:40Your best players need to be at their best in the biggest games, and we have seen it tonight.
00:4766 first-half points from those four guys.
00:51Incredible basketball.
00:52Lauren Jabara was near the Denver locker room.
00:56What'd you learn, Lauren?
00:57I was.
00:57I talked to assistant coach Ryan Saunders.
00:59He told me James has a game going right now.
01:0221 points.
01:03We have to make his shots tougher.
01:05There's adjustments we want to get to defensively with certain guys on the floor,
01:08but they distorted our defense a little with some of the shots that they were making.
01:12We have to play our game.
01:13He said offensively, he likes the physicality, likes that they're going to the free-throw line,
01:17but turnovers have killed us.
01:18A lot of those making the extra pass at the end of the shot clock.
01:21We have to be smarter with the basketball guys.
01:24Thank you, Lauren.
01:24Good job there.
01:25And the turnover story's a big one.
01:27Denver turned it over eight times in the quarter as Jokic just picks up his third foul,
01:33and that's got the interim head coach, David Adelman, pacing on that sideline.
01:38And the other point Stan made in the first half, but bears repeating.
01:43The Clippers have, at this moment, six more shots after that Brown layup to start this quarter.
01:50And a plus seven field goal attempts in the first.
01:52And now Batum hits his second three-pointer.
01:55And another adjustment lineup-wise.
01:59Tie loose starts Batum in the second half for Chris Dunn, and that move immediately pays off.
02:07Chris Dunn missed his three-point opportunities.
02:11Got caught in a couple of mismatches on the switches, too.
02:14Here's Brown, set up by Jokic.
02:17Shoebox the rebound.
02:18Here come the Clippers.
02:20Batum regained the lead for him.
02:23Well, Brown almost 40% on the year for three, but 19% in the sixth.
02:30Nice finish by Norm Powell.
02:34He is a beast in the lane.
02:36He's got a number of moves in there with those little runners.
02:39That one, he was squared up with a basket.
02:42Doesn't always have to be.
02:44What the two matched up with Jamal Murray?
02:49It's Kawhi matching up with Gordon.
02:52He got off to such a fast start here tonight.
02:54Gordon comes up short.
02:56Shoebox the bouncing rebound.
02:57Shoebox with five rebounds now.
03:00Go along with eight points.
03:02Here's Leonard.
03:03Shakes Porter.
03:04Leonard hits a three.
03:05And David Adelman calls a quick timeout, two minutes in.
03:118-0.
03:12Clipper run after the Nuggets scored the first basket of the quarter.
03:17Powell and Kawhi Leonard send the Nuggets to the first timeout of the second half.
03:23John Lovett's locked in tonight.
03:31That's a ticket.
03:33Enjoying this game six matchup.
03:36Take a look at our FanDuel live point spread for tonight's game.
03:38Clippers were favored to start the game, and they've added to that.
03:41Now at eight and a half.
03:42Clippers with an 8-0 run here in this third quarter, and they lead it by seven.
03:48Denver with the ball, which is two minutes into the third.
03:51That was a quick burst by the Clippers, forcing David Adelman into a timeout.
03:57Murray and Jokic.
03:58Jokic passed it up, finds Porter, and Porter hits a three.
04:02That's his first bucket of the night.
04:05Last two games, he had averaged 15 and a half the two games in Denver, but tonight, three points.
04:12He hasn't been tracking this series.
04:14Porter took a nasty fall late in game two, and a left shoulder injury.
04:20He's been playing through it.
04:21He's actually been pretty effective playing through it, but it is heavily bandaged.
04:26Three on the shot clock.
04:27Leonard tough shot with Gordon defending.
04:29Brown flying high for that rebound.
04:31Brown, and here come the Nuggets out.
04:34At times, the Clippers just take forever to get into their offense, into their attack,
04:40and then they're playing against the low shot clock and having to take tough shots.
04:45Jokic, logging some heavy minutes tonight.
04:48Harrells his way in.
04:49There are three Clippers around him, and they force the turnover.
04:53Here comes Leonard.
04:54Leonard has no and a foul.
04:59Leonard will go to the free throw line.
05:01It is incredible the kind of contact Kawhi Leonard can still endure at age 33.
05:13So strong, and he's got some of the biggest, strongest hands in the game.
05:18It's really tough to strip the ball from this guy.
05:21Kawhi Leonard, 20 points, 11 assists in game five.
05:26That was a playoff career high for assists for Leonard.
05:31And he knocks down the first one.
05:33Chance to remind you that you can earn badges to win prizes with the NBA ID Playoffs Challenge.
05:38Members in the U.S. and Canada who complete the challenge get the chance to win a trip to the NBA Draft.
05:45You can play now on the NBA app or at NBA.com slash ID.
05:49Kawhi Leonard shot at 81% from the line in the regular season.
05:55Missed half of the season.
05:58Makes them both.
05:59It's a six-point Clipper lead.
06:03Biggest lead for Denver, seven.
06:05Biggest lead for L.A., eight.
06:08It's been that kind of series.
06:09Three of the games have been decided by three points or less.
06:16Murray got the air, finds Brown, Brown hits a three.
06:22That's only Brown's fourth three-pointer.
06:25What was it, two?
06:28I was going to say that was the fourth three-pointer of the series.
06:32Officially scored as a three, but I think you're right.
06:35A long two.
06:36Officials can take a look at that.
06:37Right now, the score is accurate.
06:39And Murray, nice little mid-range jumper.
06:44Two-point game.
06:47Leonard was scored on his back.
06:49And he finds Zubac.
06:50Zubac's a little shot fake on the work.
06:52Stripped by Porter.
06:55Jokic at the controls now.
06:57Resets it for Porter.
06:58Bad pass.
06:59Again, Porter doesn't have much mobility in that left arm.
07:04Jokic drops a shoulder.
07:07Porter now drives it.
07:09Porter with the finger roll.
07:10Missed it.
07:12Harden pushes.
07:14Harden, no good.
07:16There's Kawhi Leonard.
07:17Great effort by Leonard to run the floor.
07:20A lot of times, guys just spectate, assuming the layup will be made.
07:25Leonard hustles.
07:26Jokic gets the Clippers another opportunity and a bucket, and they are in the lead because they have seven more field goal attempts and five more free throw attempts than the Nuggets.
07:39He's playing hard.
07:39You can see the effort level showing up at every level.
07:44Murray back to Jokic.
07:46And Jokic turns it over.
07:49He did have a triple-double earlier in the series, but he turned it over seven times.
07:57And it cost him.
08:00That was game two.
08:01There's Kawhi Leonard.
08:02He's got another one.
08:04Great patience by Leonard down there.
08:07Jokic was faking that, even going back.
08:09Just very methodical.
08:11Knew he had the size to get it over the top.
08:13If Jokic left the area, and he did it.
08:17Leonard's got 20.
08:18Matches his output from game five.
08:21Six and a half to go, third quarter.
08:24Leonard go home for the Clippers.
08:25Now it's a 3-2 series lead.
08:28It's Jokic and Zubac with the block.
08:32That's a great job by Zubac.
08:34First of all, by taking a raise.
08:36Oh, wow!
08:38Norman Powell exploding to the basket.
08:42Oh!
08:45But give Zubac the credit for that.
08:49Had two blocks in game five.
08:50He's got two tonight.
08:51And that was great game plan discipline
08:54to take away Jokic's left shoulder and right hand.
09:00Look at this.
09:01Jokic would love to reverse to that left shoulder.
09:05Zubac keeps him going to the left hand.
09:07And then a great block.
09:08And then Norman Powell explodes to the rim.
09:12Not too many guys like Norman Powell
09:14who are going to shoot over 40% from three
09:17and be that explosive to the rim.
09:20High fives from his bench.
09:22That was something else.
09:23He had one thought on his mind.
09:25A little crossover.
09:26The hard drive and the hard finish.
09:29And Powell flexing on him.
09:31That into a dome.
09:32Well, Norman Powell, a guy who's been a lot better at home
09:40than on the road, getting it done here in the third quarter.
09:44Hitting that runner, exploding to the rim twice.
09:48This dot put the Clippers up by eight.
09:51Powell is excellent in the home games at Into a Dome earlier.
09:55Games three and four.
09:57Went for 20 in game three, 22 in game four.
09:59Clippers outscoring the Nuggets 16-9 this quarter.
10:04Powell has six of those 16.
10:06Big possession coming out of the time.
10:08And a shot clock violation.
10:11Murray threw Westbrook a hot potato
10:12and he couldn't get it off in time.
10:16Searching.
10:17Nuggets are searching.
10:18Meanwhile, it looks like Ty Lue and the Clippers
10:21have found the right combination with Nick Batum, coach.
10:24They're plus 13 with him on the floor in 20 minutes.
10:28Look, in the first half,
10:29he played Batum as his backup center instead of Ben Simmons.
10:33Now he puts him in the starting lineup.
10:36Ty Lue, rightfully renowned for his ability to make adjustments,
10:42has done it again, this time with his lineup.
10:46Oh, my.
10:47Clippers get another second opportunity.
10:50Now nine more field goal attempts than Denver.
10:54And that's how you overcome a team.
10:56Shoot 58%.
10:578-0 run.
10:58First double-digit lead of the night as Murray misses.
11:02And Leonard able to secure the rebound to Harden.
11:05The Clippers try to send this series back to Denver for a game seven.
11:13Harden drives.
11:14Harden scores.
11:15Harden scores.
11:16Harden with 23.
11:25He's at a couple of three-parters.
11:28He's at a couple of three-parters.
11:28He's at a couple of three-parters.
11:29Gorg lost the handle.
11:29Powell with a steal.
11:30What a Clippers defense is really stepping up.
11:36Only nine points here in seven and a half minutes.
11:42That's what Ty Lue told us before the game.
11:44It's offered as Westbrook fouls Zubats.
11:48They didn't feel like there was anything wrong with the scheme.
11:50They just felt like they needed a little extra from everyone defensively.
11:54And they are getting it tonight in desperation mode facing elimination.
12:00Now it's typically a target.
12:04They go after him.
12:05And he was pumped after that steal.
12:08Well, look, that's his second steal of the night.
12:11And Norm Powell's got a lot of pride.
12:12This is one of the best competitors in this league.
12:16It's not like Norm Powell doesn't make an effort defensively.
12:20It's just he is essentially, especially when Dunn plays,
12:25they're small forward and he's very small.
12:28He's always giving away size.
12:30Kawhi Leonard gets a big hand on his way out.
12:33Derrick Jones Jr.
12:36Enters.
12:37Kawhi Leonard will come back and play the entire fourth quarter.
12:41He'll get this four-minute rest here.
12:44Clippers making this run with Jokic on the floor.
12:48Gives the Nuggets a little anxiety for the start of the fourth.
12:51A two.
12:52A two.
12:52A side swipe.
12:53She comes up short.
12:54Shubach keeps it alive.
12:56Over to Powell.
12:57Powell drives.
12:57Powell leads it in.
12:59It's the Norm Powell quarter.
13:01Well, and a smart play by Norm Powell because he knew Jokic with three fouls didn't want to foul.
13:08Well, Denver has not had a field goal since the 8-11 mark.
13:13Clippers by 14.
13:14Back and into it, Dome.
13:2012-0 Clipper run and Norman Powell leading the way.
13:24Eight points in the quarter.
13:2516 in the game for him.
13:26I chatted with him after game three about how he's picked up his game in games three, four, and five.
13:32He said, I'm just reading the game a little bit better.
13:33I think the first couple games, it was tough for me, but now it's slowed down a little as the series has gone on.
13:39Late in the game, too, talking to the coaches, reading how they're guarding me.
13:42I've been finding open shots, getting to my spot, and Ty Lue told me it's about him making shots.
13:47He got open shots the first couple of games that he usually knocks down, and he didn't.
13:50Then the home games three and four, got his stroke back.
13:53He said, we never worry about Norm, though.
13:55He's a seasoned vet.
13:56He scored 37 points combined in the three games in Denver.
14:01And he's been up over 20 points.
14:05He had his three games here at Into a Dome.
14:09Shot clock down to four.
14:10Here's Jokic to the corner.
14:11Brown is open.
14:12Brown hits a three.
14:14That's a big shot.
14:15Denver needed that one.
14:16Coaches, you mentioned, they were in a drought.
14:19They had not scored a field goal since Murray's bucket.
14:23Just a little over eight minutes remaining in this third.
14:27So they go almost five minutes without one.
14:29As Jones Jr. hangs and scores.
14:31Well, you can see the Clippers going right at the rim.
14:36They know that Jokic does not want to pick up that fourth foul.
14:41And he's just allowing people to go to the rim.
14:47Jokic drives and denied.
14:50He is always met by a crowd inside.
14:54Up top!
14:55And Chubac thought it was for him.
14:57It was actually for Jones, who was screaming down the baseline.
15:01Here's Gordon.
15:02Gordon will dunk it down.
15:04Yeah, Denver gets a couple of points off that miscommunication by the Clippers on the other end.
15:11Yeah, good break for the Nuggets there.
15:14Their defense wasn't exactly good, but they were able to come up with a turnover anyway because both guys were open for the lob.
15:22Here's Powell once again.
15:23That was deflected.
15:25Zubac's able to secure it.
15:27Powell in the corner.
15:28Resets.
15:29Norman Powell!
15:30He's got the wall up and loud.
15:33What a corner.
15:34But Zubac, again, getting that loose ball creates a second opportunity and the biggest difference in this game right now.
15:43Ten more field goal attempts for the Clippers.
15:48Denver down 14.
15:50Under two minutes to go.
15:52Jokic finds Gordon.
15:54Gordon hangs and scores.
15:56Wow, he has got some serious hop and an excellent find by Jokic.
16:01Look, he's got eyes in the back of his head.
16:03He sure does.
16:04That's his seventh assist on the evening to go for with his 20 points.
16:09Now, once again, Jones Jr., Cash, and Nick Batum with a sweet little dime.
16:19Look, they got off to a really poor start shooting threes, but they've made seven of their last 15.
16:28Brown to three, got another one.
16:30And Brown, who came into the game three for 16 from three in the series, has now made two in a row.
16:38Brown's got ten in the corner.
16:40And he's trying to keep Denver in shouting distance here.
16:46There's Kawhi.
16:46And Zubac.
16:48Zubac's shot right there.
16:49That little runner in the lane, it is pretty.
16:52That's from about 10 to 12 feet.
16:55That is such a difficult shot.
16:58And he makes it look easy.
16:59Nothing but neck care.
17:0145 seconds left in the third quarter.
17:05Been a big quarter for the Clippers.
17:07Here is Jokicen.
17:09He buries a three.
17:11Just when you need one, that's a second made three.
17:14The Joker's got 23 now.
17:15Well, you've got to imagine his time on the bench to start the fourth quarter is going to be short.
17:24Short.
17:25Westbrook rebound.
17:28Nuggets can get within single digits for a deficit here.
17:34Six seconds separating shot clock and game clock.
17:38Westbrook and that's going to be a foul on Jones.
17:44Jones and Jokic.
17:46They had one to give, though, and so took an opportunity to put a body on Nikola Jokic a couple of times.
17:54He made him feel him.
17:56That's exactly right.
17:57And look, they knew they had a foul to give.
17:59I don't like them giving the foul there.
18:01They had a nice differential where they were going to get the ball back with five or six seconds.
18:06Now Denver can essentially run it down for the last shot.
18:10I think teams often use the foul to give thoughtlessly.
18:15A little one-second separating shot and game clock.
18:17Coming to the end of the third quarter.
18:19And it's blocked from behind by Derek Jones.
18:23So Jones gets a block.
18:25And the Clippers maintain that double-digit lead.
18:29They are up 11.
18:30They outscore the Nuggets in the third quarter by 10.
18:34And Powell goes for 11 in the quarter.
18:37To the fourth we go.
18:39Game six.
18:40You're watching the 2025 NBA playoffs presented by Google.
18:50Noticeable boost in energy for the L.A. Clippers here in game six with their backs up against the wall.
18:56Those extra passes chasing down the rebounds.
19:00Seven offensive rebounds.
19:02And how about Nick Batum's little touch pass to Powell.
19:06Clippers outscore the Nuggets 32-22 in that third quarter.
19:11And they lead it.
19:12And moment to go.
19:14Lauren Jabara with Tyloo.
19:17Coach, you made the decision to start Nick Batum that third quarter.
19:20You guys were hot for 12 minutes.
19:22What worked and what went into that decision-making process?
19:24I think spacing offensively along with our pace.
19:27Our pace was good so they couldn't get back and get matched up.
19:30And then defensively I thought we were really active.
19:32You guys are up 11.
19:3312 minutes left.
19:34Backs against the wall.
19:35What are you telling these guys right now?
19:37We've got to win the quarter.
19:38You know, we've got to win the quarter.
19:39Same aggression defensively.
19:40Keep attacking on the offensive end and we should be fine.
19:42Coach, appreciate it.
19:43Good luck.
19:44Well, first possession of the four.
19:46The turnover.
19:47Westbrook misses the dunk.
19:49Watson gets it back.
19:51And able to score.
19:52My goodness.
19:52Well, and quite honestly, not enough Clippers players pursued back.
19:59They just assumed it was going to be a breakaway dunk.
20:02You're in the biggest game in a year right now.
20:05You can't assume anything.
20:08Look, it's not like in the third quarter Denver went cold.
20:11They shot 50%.
20:13Four for seven.
20:14Denver is shooting 58%, 45% from three, and they were down double figures at the end of the third.
20:25That was a strong finish by Michael Porter, Jr.
20:28He's fouled on the play.
20:31Clutching at that left shoulder.
20:34Chance at a three-point trip down the floor here for the Nuggets.
20:38Came right down on that left shoulder.
20:40And, Lord, he is grinding it out, trying to play through this injury,
20:43which he would certainly not be playing through if it was the regular season.
20:47He definitely did.
20:48I talked to him pregame about it and said, how bad does it hurt while you're playing?
20:51He said, well, any time I lift it up, even less than 90 degrees away from his body,
20:55he feels it.
20:56He said he can't hurt it anymore.
20:57It's just pain tolerance at this point.
20:59And the more that you play, the more inflammation that there is.
21:02So all he can do right now is ice it and try to rest it as much as he can.
21:06But he told me that he's gone through so many injuries over the last four years
21:09that there's days that he wondered if his path is being redirected.
21:12But someone told him the quote, the obstacles in the journey are the journey.
21:16He said he stopped asking why me started embracing the hard days
21:20because that's where the growth happens.
21:22And the mindset, guys, he said it's always mind over matter.
21:24It's a phenomenal story.
21:26Almost lost his career with a couple of back surgeries
21:28even before he got into the NBA.
21:32Nuggets took a fire on him and it's paid off.
21:34First, Harden on the foot, man.
21:35Harden hug in there.
21:37And James Harden having a big game.
21:40You pointed it out, Coach.
21:41He has generally struggled in the late games of series throughout his career.
21:46He's had a few moments, but not tonight.
21:4925 for Harden.
21:51But Donovich commits a foul on the other end.
21:55Well, especially with this lineup, though, the Nuggets need to get Jamal Murray going.
22:00Only two points since the first quarter for Murray.
22:05Murray.
22:1014 points.
22:12One made three for Murray.
22:13Remember, he made eight in game five.
22:16And a high bounce pass.
22:17Westbrook can't handle that one.
22:18That was right at his feet.
22:19Well, the turnovers have been the problem.
22:22That's a 13th turnover for Denver.
22:27One of the reasons, probably the biggest reason, the Clippers have ten more field goal attempts and four more free throw attempts in the game.
22:36Leonard finds Jones and lefty in the corner.
22:40Hits another one.
22:42Harden was just patient.
22:43And then a quick pass to Kawhi Leonard, who delivered it to the open, Derrick Jones Jr.
22:5123 points off those turnovers as Murray gets it to go.
22:57Nice take to the basket by Murray.
22:58Yeah, but that's a defensive breakdown by the Clippers.
23:01They cannot allow Jamal Murray to take the ball from beyond the three-point line to his strong hand and get all the way to the layup.
23:09And Jokic's rest is going to be about as short as we'd imagine.
23:13Kawhi Leonard hits that mid-range jumper.
23:16Well, he and Harden now with 51 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists.
23:25The Stars have to step up, and now Jamal Murray, after a quiet couple of quarters, is starting to step up.
23:40Clippers lead it by 11 here.
23:42Oh, tonight by Watson.
23:44As Leonard went for the scoop.
23:45Watson, one of the best shot blockers in the NBA.
23:51The Nuggets want a transition, take foul on that.
23:54I do not believe they're going to get it.
23:56Fouls on Bogdanovich.
23:57Great block there by Watson.
24:01High for that one.
24:03Watson, 13th in the league in shot blocking, despite not being a center and only playing 24 minutes again.
24:12Jokic back on the floor.
24:13Murray is going to get a quick breather.
24:14He and Gordon.
24:16Jokic and Brown off the bench at the 8.36 mark.
24:20So, when Jokic returns, Denver down 11.
24:26Well, but they're minus five tonight with Jokic on the floor.
24:31You can win the Jokic minutes.
24:33It's almost impossible for Denver to beat you.
24:36Most of that in the third quarter.
24:37Most of that in the third quarter.
24:39That was a great run by the Clippers in the third.
24:44Jokic finds Brown.
24:46Wants a reset.
24:47And that's Westbrook in the corner.
24:48And Westbrook missed it.
24:50Watson knocks it out of bounds.
24:51That'll be Clippers' ball.
24:52Only three offensive rebounds on the night for Denver against 21 defensive rebounds for the Clippers.
25:06Clippers led the league in defensive rebounding percentage on the year.
25:10They had struggled mightily in this series.
25:13But they're taking care of business tonight.
25:16Harden for three.
25:17And he's taking care of business, too.
25:20James Harden with 28 right now to go with five rebounds and eight assists.
25:27He knocks this one down, and the Clippers are up 14.
25:36You're watching the first round presented by NerdWallet.
25:40Los Angeles on a Thursday night.
25:44And a fast start for the Clippers here to this fourth quarter.
25:47The Stars kind of canceled each other out in the first half.
25:51Harden and Leonard were plus two.
25:52But it's been a different story in this second half.
25:55Those two have combined for 20 in this second half already.
25:59And just 10 from Jokic and Murray.
26:01James Harden has 28 tonight.
26:03Had 26 combined in the last two games.
26:06Another one of his best games.
26:08And Patun blocks Murray on a pass attempt.
26:12And able to force another Denver turnover.
26:15The impact of Nick Patun on this game has been huge.
26:22McDonough finds Jones.
26:23Jones gives it right back.
26:25McDonough can't hit.
26:27Westbrook with the rebound.
26:29That was a good look.
26:31Defense! Defense! Defense! Defense! Defense! Defense!
26:38Look at the tomb battling down there with Jokic.
26:43Foul's going to be on McDonough.
26:44And he took a shot after the foul from his Serbian Olympic teammate right to the jaw.
26:52McDonough had five fouls in game five.
26:57But he delivered big time.
26:59Made four threes.
27:00Had 18 points.
27:02You heard Ty Lue talk about the spacing.
27:04And they've got that with Batuman McDonough.
27:06They put Watson in a position having to make a decision off that blitz.
27:18And that's not really Peyton Watson's game.
27:20Harden Harden sitting on 28 points tonight.
27:26He's made three threes.
27:28Murray guards him closely.
27:30And a little step back.
27:31Oh, Murray knocked it out of his hands.
27:33It took a shot.
27:34And then Kawhi Leonard no good.
27:36Westbrook with a rebound.
27:38I'll tell you, Murray got clocked.
27:40Watson misses the layup.
27:43McDonough back to Westbrook.
27:45Here goes Westbrook, and he lays it in.
27:48Yeah, I mean, Harden and Derrick Jones Jr. have to get back in that play.
27:53That's the second time tonight the Clippers just assuming people were going to make shots.
27:58And they're giving up buckets.
28:00The effort and the focus has to be better.
28:03The other thing right here with a 12-point lead,
28:06I don't like Harden just holding the ball and running his shot clock down on every possession.
28:13On the side of the floor, McDonough.
28:15Fires and hits.
28:17Contested three.
28:20Bogdan, Bogdanovich acquired from the Hawks for his three-point shooting.
28:26It's a big one.
28:27Murray comes back.
28:28And it is Watson.
28:31Watson stuffs it down.
28:33Nice effort there by Peyton Watson.
28:40Five and a half to go in regulation.
28:42I think they need to get into their action quicker here and get quality shots.
28:46You can't rely on end of the shot clock threes every time.
28:52Jones passes it up.
28:53And now Bogdanovich to Leonard.
28:57Shot clock down to five now.
28:59Leonard trying to turn the corner.
29:00And Leonard no.
29:02Who touched it last?
29:04That'll be Jones Jr.
29:05And that is Denver ball.
29:07Well, the effort Jones Jr.
29:08though is putting in on the offensive glass
29:10is eventually going to pay off.
29:13Denver is not getting a body on him.
29:16And if they don't, we're going to see a tip dunk by Derrick Jones Jr.
29:21before this game is over.
29:26Clippers lead is 13 as we hit the five-minute mark.
29:29Westbrook all the way in.
29:31Lays it in.
29:32Ty Lue upset with very little resistance on that one.
29:37And a timeout on the floor with the Clippers up 11.
29:45Listen, the next three minutes, we've got to cut this thing to six.
29:49We've got to make a run here, all right?
29:51Hey, we've got to refocus on our defense, all right?
29:53No mistakes.
29:54Got to make this run right now, fellas.
29:56Take a lot of time here, a lot of time.
29:59Stay together.
30:00Stay together.
30:03Intense huddles, these two head coaches.
30:06Interim head coach David Adelman of the Nuggets.
30:09Just his ninth NBA game.
30:11State Farm audio assist.
30:13Sounds good to hear.
30:14Ty Lue, championship coach.
30:162016 with the Cavs.
30:22Under five minutes to go in regulation.
30:24Clippers lead it by 11.
30:27Murray guarding Harden, who's had a big game tonight.
30:29Yeah, but again, that shot clock is way down.
30:32Finds Batou.
30:33Catch and shoot.
30:34No good.
30:35Gordon with the rebound.
30:36Here come the Nuggets out.
30:37And this is what Ty Lue wants now.
30:39They've had a couple of breakdowns.
30:41The ball's gotten to the rim very, very easily.
30:45He wants more focus.
30:47Notice he has not brought Zubac back in the game.
30:51Though I think we're going to have to see him down the stretch.
30:54And here he gets up.
30:55Jokic too big right there.
30:58Harden, that's a lazy pass.
31:00Even though it got deflected out of bounds.
31:03You cannot get careless at either end of the floor right now.
31:08Well, it does get Zubac in the game.
31:11Jones will sit.
31:13Powell ended up guarding Jokic last time down the floor.
31:16That was easy pickings for Jokic, who has 25 now.
31:2025.7 assists.
31:22He's also got five boards.
31:26Harden 28.
31:27Kawhi Leonard 26.
31:29Powell had the big third quarter.
31:31He's sitting on 19.
31:32And with five to shoot, Powell gets it back.
31:36Dives on Brown, Brown fouls him.
31:38And Powell to the line.
31:40Getting these late clock pushes by the Clippers.
31:45And now Powell will go to the free throw line to try to put him over 20
31:49for the third time in this building in this playoff.
31:54Watch it shows like Up and Adams with Kay Adams and Run It Back.
31:58Featuring Lou Williams, Chandler Parsons, and Michelle Beatles.
32:00It's on FanDuel TV, and it's free on all your favorite devices.
32:06Free is everyone's favorite price.
32:09Now it's a first.
32:11He's got 20.
32:13So you have three Clippers who have at least 20 points in the game.
32:18They're three best.
32:19Harden, Leonard, and Norman Powell.
32:26Nick Batum guarded Jokic.
32:29And now he's on Jamal Murray.
32:32How about that?
32:33If the Clippers go on to win this game, there's your game ball right there.
32:39I would agree.
32:40Even though the three stars have had outstanding games, I would agree with you.
32:45And the other thing I'd do is I'd get Nip Batum in bed and resting.
32:50Gordon offensive rebound, and Gordon denied, and Harden out of the pack.
32:57They clamp down on Aaron Gordon.
33:00Big possession right here.
33:02Three and a half to go.
33:04Harden in the paint.
33:05Harden up over Murray.
33:06Harden, no!
33:07And Jokic with a rebound.
33:08Knows they've got to go fast.
33:09Well, he's one of the best I've ever seen as a big guy.
33:13Pushing the ball and making plays in transition.
33:16And he does it there coast to coast.
33:19Then finds Gordon for the three.
33:21We said the Nuggets are the number one fast break team in the league.
33:25For most of the series, the Clippers have done a good job.
33:28But the best Clipper fast break, a Denver fast break, is when Jokic rebounds and busts out.
33:35First made three for Gordon.
33:37And it is a big one.
33:39The lead is eight.
33:39Clippers with the ball.
33:41Powell tries, and Gordon got the block.
33:44Up ahead, Murray.
33:45Leonard chases.
33:46Murray with the reverse.
33:48Here come the Nuggets.
33:49And Ty Lue wants the timeout.
33:52Six-point game.
33:55Game six.
33:56Denver went away from the second round.
34:00It's an 11-2 Nuggets run.
34:032.43 remaining in regulation.
34:10ESPN takes over tomorrow.
34:12One game.
34:13Rockets-Warriors game six.
34:15Warriors a chance to eliminate the Rockets for a second time.
34:19Rockets with a big win at home last night.
34:23Go to the NBA app or NBA.com for more on that one.
34:27We're set up for a finish here.
34:282.43 remaining in regulation.
34:31And the Nuggets on an 11-2 run.
34:34It took just three minutes.
34:36No field goals for the Clippers in over three minutes.
34:39Got to go back to the Boganovich three.
34:41Well, yeah, I just don't like the approach offensively of the Clippers running the shot clock down all the time.
34:50That is not how they've played for a good part of the game.
34:53We're down to six again.
34:56Deflection by Westbrook.
34:57It's going to be Clipper ball four to shoot.
35:02This offense is just not getting enough done, and it's going to require some outstanding just shot-making here to be able to stay in this game.
35:14Harden desperation.
35:15Harden puts it up.
35:16No good.
35:17Jokic to the rebound.
35:18Westbrook on the run out.
35:20Westbrook misses the lay out.
35:23Howell knocks it back, and Batum secures it.
35:27Great hustle by Batum.
35:29I'll tell you what, though.
35:30They got another.
35:31They just dodged a bullet.
35:33I do not like the way the Clippers are finishing this game out.
35:38Kawhi Leonard with Murray on him.
35:40Brown joins.
35:41Harden now.
35:42Five to shoot again.
35:44Lee Kluck.
35:45Batum extra pass.
35:46Powell fly by.
35:48Powell.
35:48Good shot.
35:50Norman Powell.
35:53Well, Norman Powell in this series has been a different player in the Intuit Dome than he has been.
36:00At Ball Arena.
36:02Jokic.
36:04And how about Zubats with him, step for step.
36:09And another great move by Ty Lue.
36:12There's been a lot of him tonight.
36:14But a great move getting Zubats back in this game.
36:18Powell, a side step three with the shot clock running down.
36:22And then Zubats, a great block and an excellent non-call by the referees.
36:28Clippers defending well here.
36:31Nine-point deficit for the Nuggets.
36:33They're running out of time.
36:35Minute and a half to go.
36:37Gordon for three.
36:38Big shot on its way.
36:39No good.
36:40Long rebound.
36:41Westbrook.
36:41He's left open.
36:42He fires and misses.
36:44And Gordon with the follow.
36:47I just...
36:48There's still a lot of time here.
36:50Kawhi Leonard never even came back in the play right there for the Clippers.
36:55Like, you've got to finish this game off.
36:57Murray.
36:57To get to game seven.
36:59Murray with a block.
37:00Murray leads a charge.
37:02And it's blocked by Batum.
37:03Brown runs it down.
37:05Man, Batum is having a game.
37:07All the little things.
37:08Brown ducks his shoulder.
37:09That's a block.
37:11And free throws for Brown.
37:12The furious pace.
37:14Nick Batum at 36 years of age.
37:18The fountain of youth.
37:19I'll tell you what.
37:22Batum leading the series in blocked shots.
37:25But he is doing it all.
37:27Knocked down a couple of threes.
37:30Blocked shots.
37:32And a great extra pass for Batum's assist.
37:38Nick Batum, six points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.
37:45And they are plus 12 with him on the floor.
37:49Brown at the line.
37:52Nuggets down six.
37:55I think the most impressive number on Batum's line, 33.
37:5833, not the number on his jersey, but the minutes he's played tonight.
38:02He averaged 17 and a half in the regular season.
38:06It's only the third time he's gone over 30 minutes all year.
38:09Well, and the Clippers seem to be doing a lot of hoping the clock is going to run out.
38:1658 and a half seconds is a long way to go.
38:20You've got to play this game with force and a sense of urgency right now.
38:25You know Denver's coming after the ball.
38:27You can't do anything lazy or careless.
38:31The run is 15-5.
38:3550 seconds to go.
38:37And Ty Lue sprints in there to get a timeout.
38:45Clippers trying to hang on, trying to save their season.
38:50Facing elimination.
38:51Can they force a game seven Clipper ball when we come back?
38:56Game reset.
38:57Ty Lue uses his final timeout.
38:59Both coaches still have a challenge.
39:02Denver does have a foul to give here.
39:0550 seconds to go, coach.
39:06Absolutely.
39:07And here's the biggest thing.
39:09Denver has hurt them.
39:10The Clippers have to make sure they've got great defensive balance here
39:14and don't give up a runout.
39:17Zubac gets the inbounds.
39:19You trust Batum to put it in.
39:21It's going to be a late shot clock shot.
39:23That's the way the Clippers have played the entire game down the stretch here.
39:27Here goes Harden.
39:28He lost the handle.
39:30Balls lose.
39:30Brown up with it.
39:32Jokic with a ball in his hands.
39:34Out the controls.
39:3530 seconds to go.
39:37Jokic passes up a three.
39:39Drives on Zubac and misses.
39:41And Leonard comes out of the pack.
39:44Zubac stands tall defensively.
39:47They have to take the foul now.
39:50Zubac has made two great defensive plays here down the stretch.
40:00Great spin.
40:02May have gotten away with a little foul there.
40:05How about the footwork?
40:07Big man's moving at Zubac with four blocks.
40:09And Zubac will go to the bench here.
40:12Bogdanovich in because they know now that Denver's going to have to give a foul
40:19unless they can get a steal here on the inbounds.
40:24And so they want their best free throw shooters in the game.
40:28It's an area where Zubac has struggled in the series.
40:31Only shooting 58%.
40:33Denver had the foul to give and had to take it immediately.
40:37Next one will put the Clippers at the line.
40:4020.4 seconds remain.
40:43Fresh 14 on the shot clock.
40:46David Guthrie making sure all the timing is accurate.
40:52And here we go.
40:53Batum will put it in.
40:55Clippers by five.
40:59Leonard's got it.
41:00And Westbrook fouls Kawhi Leonard.
41:04Leonard an 81% free throw shooter.
41:08Two for two tonight.
41:11Has had not had a game under 20 points in this entire series.
41:18His 30th playoff game with at least 20 points as a Clipper.
41:23That ties Blake Griffin.
41:25Second all-time.
41:26Chris Paul is the leader in that category.
41:29It's a good name to tie, though.
41:30Blake Griffin.
41:31A great player here for the Clippers.
41:34One of the better people I ever had the opportunity to coach.
41:38Only got to do it for a short amount of time.
41:41But Kawhi Leonard, this is a big free throw right here.
41:45You take this to a three-possession game with 18.8 seconds to go,
41:51and you're in really good shape.
41:54Game seven will be Saturday night if the Clippers finish this off.
42:00They were up 15, just under six minutes to go in this fourth.
42:05And now Kawhi Leonard.
42:09Oh, it's in and out.
42:10And a quick timeout.
42:13Nuggets used their last timeout.
42:15They'll advance the ball.
42:18111-105.
42:20Denver ball when we get out of timeouts.
42:22Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and now desperation mode for the Nuggets, coach.
42:26Yeah, no question.
42:27Big thing for the Clippers here now.
42:30I'm sure they're going to be switching screens.
42:32You want no fouls, no threes, and nothing quick.
42:37That's too quick and wide open.
42:39And he missed it.
42:40Gordon rebound.
42:41Resets it.
42:41Three-pointer.
42:42No good.
42:44And it was Jones there to secure it.
42:47And that'll do it.
42:48We're headed for a game seven.
42:50And Brian, from the start of game one, this looked like a series.
42:55He's going seven.
42:56And now it is.
42:57It has been the best series of this first round, and the Clippers prevail at Intuit Dome.
43:05A 1-11, 1-0-5 victory.
43:13All-time records in game sevens.
43:15Nuggets have won two of their last three.
43:17Clippers at four and five.
43:18They've lost three of their last four.
43:21And back to Denver we go for a game seven on Saturday.
43:25We send it over to Lauren Jabara.
43:29Thanks so much, B.A.
43:30Appreciate it.
43:31James, you've been in a lot of these backs against the wall games before.
43:35You know the heart and determination it takes.
43:3728 points for you.
43:38Take me through your mindset, your mentality.
43:39How did you approach this one?
43:41Being aggressive.
43:42It's either win or go home.
43:43So a lot of opportunities to be aggressive, and I took them.
43:47We did a good job of game planning, see what we needed to make corrections on and did it.
43:52So one more game.
43:54Nick Batum was the fountain of youth in this one.
43:57Played almost the whole second half.
43:59What sort of a difference did he make for you guys, especially in that second half?
44:03I mean, we both did.
44:04You know what I mean?
44:05It's like we want to go home.
44:06You know what I mean?
44:06So we didn't want to go home.
44:08We got one more game left in a couple days.
44:11One more game left.
44:12You guys have seen each other six times now.
44:13Not many surprises.
44:15How do you approach game seven knowing, hey, one more game left to make it to the next round?
44:20Figure out what we got to do better.
44:21Still a lot of mental mistakes.
44:23A lot of execution that we can get better at.
44:25And then go out there and take it.
44:27James, appreciate the time.
44:29How about it?
44:30They split the regular season series two apiece.
44:33They have split the first six games three apiece.
44:36And it's gone to a game seven in Denver on Saturday.
44:40You know, it's really interesting, Brian, that the stars for the three stars for the Clippers combined for 79 points.
44:54And you and I both agree the MVP of the night is a guy who had six points.
44:57Nick Batum just really gave this team a lift.
45:0334 minutes and the Clippers getting it to game seven.
45:06And how about our MVP in the production truck?
45:09Jeff Parris.
45:10He's been with TNT for 25 years.
45:13This is his last game.
45:15NBA will be elsewhere next year.
45:16And Jeff Parris, he is an all-time great in that graphics department.
45:21We're going to miss him.
45:22Great job, Jeff.
45:23Thank you, Peasy.
45:24And we look forward to seeing all of you for Game 7 Saturday night in Denver.
45:29Coming up next, Inside the NBA, presented by Kia.
45:32Our producer, Jeff Randolph.
45:34Director, Matt Lipp.
45:35Our terrific crew here in L.A.
45:38For Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Jabara.
45:40I'm Brian Anderson saying good night from Los Angeles.
45:42You've been watching the NBA on TNT, home of the Eastern Conference Finals.
45:47We'll see you next time.