Fri May 02 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Nuggets Suffer Injuries, Crushing Loss to Clippers in Game 3

**INGLEWOOD, CA** – The Denver Nuggets suffered a devastating 117-83 loss to the LA Clippers in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series, further complicated by significant injuries to key players. Guard Russell Westbrook left the game midway through the second quarter with left foot inflammation, while forward Michael Porter Jr. battled through a painful Grade 2 shoulder sprain.

Westbrook injured his foot during pre-game warmups and attempted to play before ultimately exiting the game. Porter Jr., who injured his non-shooting shoulder in Game 2, described his injury as incredibly painful, limiting his arm movement to approximately 20-30% of its normal capacity. Despite the severe pain, he played, attributing his decision to a desire to help his team. He admitted the injury, typically a four-to-five-week recovery, hampered his ability to rebound and shoot. His uncertain availability for Game 4 casts a shadow over the Nuggets’ chances.

The Clippers dominated the game, fueled by a significant advantage from beyond the arc (18-of-39 compared to Denver’s 7-of-26). This 3-point disparity, coupled with the Nuggets’ injuries, contributed heavily to the 34-point defeat. The loss marked the Clippers’ largest playoff victory in franchise history at their new Intuit Dome.

Despite a triple-double (23 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists) from Nikola Jokic, marking his second consecutive 20-point triple-double in a playoff loss, the Nuggets were unable to overcome the Clippers’ dominance and mounting injury crisis. The Clippers now hold a 2-1 series lead, a position they’ve historically struggled with, having a losing record in previous 2-1 series leads.

Nuggets coach David Adelman praised Porter Jr.’s toughness, a sentiment echoed by teammate Aaron Gordon who called him a “warrior.” However, the team now faces a crucial Game 4 on Saturday, with the potential absence of both Westbrook and Porter Jr. looming large. The Nuggets’ players expressed a desire to quickly rebound from the loss and prepare for the challenge ahead.

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