The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2024–25 season came to a disappointing close with a Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Denver dominated the final contest, pulling away with a 120–101 victory that was effectively decided by the third quarter. Kawhi Leonard, who managed to stay healthy throughout the series—a rarity in recent postseasons—was once again the standout performer for L.A., finishing with 22 points, tied for the game high with Denver’s Aaron Gordon.
However, the lack of support was evident, as no other Clippers player scored more than 13 points. James Harden, in particular, turned in an underwhelming performance in the elimination game.
Following the defeat, Leonard was asked about what the team could take away from the season. His response reflected the frustration of another early exit. “I mean, I don’t know right now,” Leonard said, via The Athletic’s Law Murray. “I guess we stayed playing at a high level, in a sense. But yeah, it’s a hard question to answer right now.”
The Clippers entered the postseason as a dark horse contender, especially after a regular season that showed promise with Leonard and Harden in the lineup. Many hoped Harden would finally capture the elusive championship that has evaded him throughout his decorated career, while Leonard aimed to lead another title run and cement his legacy with a third Finals MVP.
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after defeating the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on April 24, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
Nikola Jokic praises Nuggets’ midseason coaching change
The Nuggets’ playoff success also came under a different spotlight. Late in the regular season, Denver made a bold decision to part ways with long-time head coach Michael Malone, despite sitting comfortably in the playoff picture. Assistant coach David Adelman took over as interim head coach and has guided the team through a strong postseason showing.
see also
NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s past comments on James Harden resurface after Clippers’ loss to Nuggets
Reflecting on the change, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic backed the move. “I think the owner wanted to change something, to change the energy, and probably he did [by letting go of Malone],” Jokic said. “He got the result he was looking for.”
Harden’s title window narrows
For Harden, the Game 7 loss marked yet another postseason heartbreak. The 10-time All-Star, now 35, has yet to win an NBA championship despite a résumé filled with individual accolades. He finished the season averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game, leading the Clippers in both categories.
His championship drought draws comparisons with other all-time NBA greats. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his first title in just his second NBA season (1970–71), while Stephen Curry broke through in his sixth season with the Warriors. Even LeBron James, who needed nine seasons to win his first ring, finally reached the mountaintop in 2012 at age 27 with the Miami Heat. Time may still be on Harden’s side, but with each passing season, the margin for error—and opportunity—shrinks.
