Clippers Defeat Nuggets 117-83 in Intuit Dome Playoff Debut

The LA Clippers hosted their first-ever playoff game at the new Intuit Dome, defeating the Denver Nuggets 117-83 to take a 2-1 series lead in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The atmosphere at the Intuit Dome was notably intense and loud, with both acoustics and passionate Clippers fans contributing to a challenging environment for visiting teams, as acknowledged by Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kawhi Leonard all contributed significant performances, while Denver struggled offensively after a strong start, with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as the only consistent scorers. The Clippers' defensive strategy stifled Denver’s role players, leading to extended scoring runs that put the game out of reach. Some Clippers fans expressed disappointment over the lack of traditional playoff T-shirts, but overall, the crowd's energy provided a substantial home-court boost in a pivotal game. Kawhi Leonard’s health and performance have been a central storyline, with his resilience and leadership drawing praise as the Clippers look to maintain momentum in the series.