Clippers Even Series, Hand Adelman First Playoff Loss

Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-102 win over the Denver Nuggets, tying their first-round playoff series at 1-1. Leonard's efficient and clutch performance overcame Nikola Jokic's triple-double, with Jokic also committing seven turnovers. The game featured frequent lead changes, technical fouls, and a dramatic finish as Denver missed potential game-tying shots in the final seconds. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue credited Leonard's health as pivotal to the team's championship hopes. This victory marked the first playoff loss for interim Nuggets coach David Adelman, who replaced Michael Malone just before the postseason. The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3.