🃏 Jokic Drops a Triple-Double, But Clippers Steal Game 2 Behind Kawhi's 39 and Zubac’s Big-Time Hustle

Nikola Jokic posted another monster line—26 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists - logging his 19th career playoff triple-double in a high-stakes Game 2 in Denver.

But it wasn’t enough. The Nuggets fell 105-102 to the Clippers, who evened the series 1-1 behind a throwback performance from Kawhi Leonard and a grind-it-out shift from Ivica Zubac.

Despite his brilliance, Jokic looked slightly off rhythm at key moments, committing 7 turnovers and shooting just 6-of-10 from the line, including a missed game-tying three at the buzzer.

Denver also gave up 20 turnovers and missed eight free throws, undoing what was otherwise a strong offensive night from their stars.

Ivica Zubac quietly dominated the interior, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists in 40 minutes.

His physical presence helped neutralize Jokic in crunch time, while giving the Clippers much-needed second-chance opportunities.

Then there was Kawhi Leonard, who looked every bit the two-time Finals MVP. He poured in 39 points on a blistering 15-of-19 shooting, including a cold-blooded pull-up three to beat the halftime buzzer and a huge steal off Jokic in the final minute.

“He just got to his spots,” said Jamal Murray. “Even when we were there, he made tough shots.”

Michael Porter Jr. responded from a shaky Game 1 with 15 points and 15 rebounds, though he left the game grimacing after a late shoulder injury.

Murray chipped in 23 points, but Denver’s sloppy play was their undoing.

For the Clippers, it was all about execution and resiliency. They haven’t lost back-to-back games since early March, and now they head to L.A. with momentum - and a healthy Kawhi.

And again it wasn’t Bogdan Bogdanović’s night—he went scoreless in 15 minutes, missing all his shots - he contributed with 2 assists, 1 rebound, and a steal in a supporting role.

Game 3 tips off Thursday in L.A. The series is just getting started.

🔥 Luka Leads Lakers Bounce-Back as L.A. Evens Series with Wolves

Luka Doncic was everywhere - dropping 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists - as the Lakers muscled past the Timberwolves 94-85 in Game 2, tying the first-round series 1-1.

Doncic came out hot, pouring in 16 first-quarter points and torching Rudy Gobert in isolation. His deep three and relentless playmaking set the tone as L.A. stormed to a 22-point first-half lead and never trailed.

After getting thumped in Game 1 despite Luka’s 37, the Lakers responded with gritty defense, physicality, and better shot selection. LeBron James added 21 points, 11 boards, and 7 dimes, while Austin Reaves chipped in 16.

It was bruising basketball - 46 fouls, multiple reviews, and face hits that saw Rui Hachimura return with a mask.

Minnesota’s Game 1 magic vanished. Julius Randle (27 pts) and Anthony Edwards (25) kept it close late, but the Wolves went cold for too long, going seven full minutes without a field goal in the fourth.

L.A. bent but didn’t break - even with a late Wolves run - and closed it out behind Luka’s leadership (+12 plus-minus). Game 3 heads to Minneapolis on Friday.

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