By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Kawhi Leonard posted 29 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers slid past the Denver Nuggets 120-97 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday night.
His efforts were complemented by Paul George who scored 19 points and Marcus Morris who added 18 points for the Clippers.
The Nuggets came off a seven-game series with Utah that had just concluded Tuesday and struggled offensively, with a sum of just 57 points by its starters, on 20-48 FG. Nikola Jokic led the team’s effort with 15 points, while Paul Milsap posted 13 points. Jamal Murray and Monte Mortis shared 12 points apiece.
In the second quarter, the Clippers took control, outplaying the Nuggets 38-20 to take a halftime lead with 69-51, as Nuggets were shooting at 25% during that period. The Clippers’ domination conveyed into the second half as well, as they even got away with a 29-point lead.
Game 2 of the series tips off Saturday.