Clippers Look to Reduce Turnovers in Game 2 Against Denver Nuggets

The Clippers wasted no time in moving on from Saturday’s messy turnover-filled 112-110 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first game in the Western Conference playoffs and looking ahead to Game 2.

Analyzing the Turnovers

It’s another game to solve their turnover problem and figure out how to better contain Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who finished one rebound shy of a triple double. Another game to even the series before they head to the airport and return home. The teams tip off Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Monday at Denver’s Ball Arena; the series then moves to the Intuit Dome for Games 3 and 4.

James Harden’s Perspective

“It’s just confidence,” said James Harden, who scored 22 points on 11-of-22 shooting for the Clippers. “The turnovers are a little frustrating just because it’s so self-inflicted and it’s something that we’ve been really good at these last few weeks, even-keel you know. Now, I mean we come back in Game 2, ready to go, even better.”

Impact of Turnovers

The Nuggets scored 29 points off the Clippers’ 20 turnovers, many of which were unforced or the result of a lack of hustle. “That’s the game,” said Harden of the turnovers. “Nothing else. That’s the game. Those turnovers were unforced. That’s the game right there. It’s nothing they did. It’s us. It’s all us.”

Kawhi Leonard’s Take

Kawhi Leonard was the biggest offender, committing seven turnovers, including when he stepped out of bounds after an offensive rebound in the final minute of overtime and then lost the ball when Jamal Murray poked it free with 33 seconds left in regulation and with the Clippers holding a one-point lead. “We just have to be decisive, get more into attack mode situations and that’s it,” Leonard said. “A lot of the turnovers we caused.”

Other Areas for Improvement

Turnovers weren’t the Clippers only letdown. They allowed 12 offensive rebounds to the Nuggets with Aaron Gordon collecting five and Russell Westbrook four. “We got to get to the paint, get to the paint and good things happen for us,” Harden said. “We talked about it through the last couple days and even today, get to the paint and good things are going to happen, generate lifts and get open shots for my team. So, we will try to do better in Game 2.”

Coach Tyronn Lue’s Assessment

Coach Tyronn Lue wasn’t altogether discouraged by his team’s performance. They outshot the Nuggets (50.0% to 43.6%), had one more assist (25 to 24), one fewer rebound (45 to 44) and had five more blocked shots (6 to 1). “We’re in good shape,” Lue said. “We just got to do what we’re supposed to do. Take care of the basketball, keep them off the glass, and then we’ll be fine. But if you turn it over 20 times against the team that is No. 1 in offensive transition, then you’re going to lose the game. So, we understand that we just got to be better.”

Harden’s Milestones

With his 32 points he scored on Saturday, Harden now has scored 3,796 career points in the postseason, pushing him past John Havlicek for sole possession of 14th place on the NBA’s all-time playoff points list. Harden also has 1,072 assists in the postseason, pushing him past Larry Bird for sole possession of eighth on the all-time playoff assists list.

Conclusion

The Clippers are focused on reducing their turnovers and improving their overall performance in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. By addressing these issues, they aim to even the series and gain momentum heading into the next games.

FAQs

• Q: What was the main issue for the Clippers in Game 1?
  A: The main issue for the Clippers was their high number of turnovers, which led to the Nuggets scoring 29 points off those turnovers.
• Q: Who was the biggest offender in terms of turnovers for the Clippers?
  A: Kawhi Leonard committed the most turnovers with seven.
• Q: What adjustments are the Clippers looking to make for Game 2?
  A: The Clippers are looking to reduce their turnovers, be more decisive in attack mode situations, and improve their rebounding, especially on the defensive glass.
• Q: What milestones did James Harden achieve in Game 1?
  A: James Harden surpassed John Havlicek for 14th place on the NBA’s all-time playoff points list and surpassed Larry Bird for 8th place on the all-time playoff assists list.

  Originally Published: April 20, 2025 at 10:38 AM PDT