The playoffs are where legacies are forged—and reminders are issued. For the Los Angeles Clippers, Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets isn’t just a battle for series control. It’s about holding onto momentum, maximizing the health of their biggest star, and pushing the defending champs to the edge.
After a gutsy 105-102 win in Game 2, one thing is clear: when Kawhi Leonard is on the floor, the Clippers are a different beast. His 39-point masterclass silenced the Ball Arena crowd, reminded the league of his postseason pedigree, and gave L.A. the boost it desperately needed after a shaky Game 1.
But even with that win, questions swirl around every game in this series. Will the Clippers have a full squad tonight? Is Kawhi good to go again? And what about the Nuggets; are they fit to play? Let’s break it all down here.
Clippers Injury Report: All Clear for Game 3
For the first time in what feels like forever, the Clippers’ medical report brings good news. Kawhi Leonard is not listed on the team’s injury report for Game 3 against Denver. After a full season of monitoring minutes, load managing, and wondering whether he’d be available when it mattered most, he is.
Kawhi will suit up tonight at Intuit Dome, continuing what has been one of the most efficient playoff starts of his career. Through two games, he’s averaging over 30 points per game on a blistering 70% shooting. And perhaps most importantly, he’s showing no signs of physical hesitation.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook are also good to go, giving head coach Ty Lue his full rotation at a critical juncture. The team’s cohesion and defensive intensity were visibly sharper in Game 2, and with their star trio locked in, the Clippers enter Game 3 with a real shot to seize control.
On the Nuggets’ side, Michael Porter Jr. has popped up on the injury report and remains questionable. After an improved performance in Game 2 (15 points, 15 boards), his availability will be key as Denver tries to rebound on the road.
Can the Clippers Build On Kawhi’s Dominance?
Here’s the scary truth for Denver: the Clippers haven’t even played their best basketball yet.
Yes, Kawhi was surgical in Game 2, but the supporting cast—Harden, Zubac, Powell—still has room to elevate. Harden chipped in clutch plays down the stretch, but hasn’t caught fire offensively yet. Westbrook has played hard-nosed defense, but his scoring has been minimal. That’s a good sign for L.A. They’ve tied the series without relying on superhuman nights from everyone.
What Ty Lue will look for in Game 3 is rhythm—offensive flow, transition pace, and better bench contributions. If they can sustain defensive pressure on Jokic (who posted a triple-double but took few high-percentage looks), they’ll keep Denver off balance.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) passes the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (right) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest storyline remains Kawhi, though. His presence changes everything. The rotations. The confidence. The margin for error. And unlike Denver, who still looks shaky in late-game scenarios, the Clippers found poise in crunch time last game—an edge they’ll need again tonight.
With no injuries holding them back, the Clippers have a golden opportunity: protect home court, keep Leonard in rhythm, and make the defending champs uncomfortable.
And if Kawhi keeps playing like this? The conversation won’t be about awards—it’ll be about who’s going to stop him.
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