The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets head into a pivotal Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on April 26, 2025, at the Intuit Dome, with the Clippers holding a 2-1 series lead and momentum firmly on their side after a dominant Game 3 victory. Los Angeles delivered a statement performance in their 117-83 blowout, putting together one of their most complete games of the season on both ends of the court, and making it clear they intend to seize control of the series before heading back to Denver. Kawhi Leonard has been masterful throughout the series, averaging over 27 points per game while anchoring the Clippers defensively, showcasing his signature two-way excellence that elevates Los Angeles into true contender status when healthy. James Harden has provided an essential secondary scoring punch and excellent playmaking, and the Clippers’ supporting cast, led by Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, has thoroughly outperformed Denver’s bench, creating separation and depth advantages that have worn the Nuggets down. On the defensive side, the Clippers have effectively crowded Nikola Jokić, forcing him into tough, contested shots and limiting his ability to orchestrate Denver’s offense as fluidly as he typically does, even though the two-time MVP still managed a triple-double in Game 3. The bigger concern for the Nuggets has been the inconsistency of their perimeter scorers; Jamal Murray has struggled to string together efficient offensive performances, and Michael Porter Jr. has been unable to provide the reliable scoring boost Denver desperately needs against an aggressive Clippers defense that switches and rotates with precision.

Denver’s bench, which was a strength during the regular season, has gone cold, unable to match the Clippers’ energy and production when the starters sit, leaving Jokić with an even heavier burden. Interim head coach David Adelman must find answers quickly, whether through more minutes for trusted veterans or strategic adjustments to free up Murray and Porter Jr. against Los Angeles’ perimeter defense. Meanwhile, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue has managed his rotations expertly, ensuring fresh legs on the floor and mixing defensive looks to keep Jokić and Murray guessing. As Game 4 looms, the Clippers will look to maintain their defensive intensity, push the pace in transition when possible, and continue exploiting Denver’s defensive lapses with smart ball movement and timely three-point shooting. For Denver, Game 4 represents a virtual must-win; falling into a 3-1 series hole against a healthy Clippers team would be a daunting scenario, especially with the series swinging back to Denver for Game 5. The Nuggets must be more physical on the boards, limit second-chance opportunities, and get better shot selection from their secondary scorers to stand a chance. The Clippers, however, sense blood in the water and know the importance of stepping on Denver’s throat while they have the advantage. Fans can expect a physical, high-energy battle, with every possession taking on extra weight, but if Los Angeles continues executing at the level they showed in Game 3, they will be in prime position to put a stranglehold on this first-round matchup and move one step closer to the deeper playoff run they have been chasing for years.