Tue May 06 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Nuggets’ Bold Coaching Change Fuels Game 7 Domination Over Clippers
**DENVER, CO** – The Denver Nuggets’ surprising mid-season shakeup paid off in a resounding Game 7 victory over the LA Clippers, 120-101, sending them to the Western Conference Semifinals. The team, having fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the end of the regular season, showcased the championship-caliber balance that propelled them to victory two years prior.
Following a four-game losing streak and a seemingly inevitable early playoff exit, the organization’s drastic move sparked a turnaround. Nikola Jokic, while acknowledging the owner’s desire for a change in energy, attributed the team’s success to the resulting shift in momentum.
While Jokic had a relatively quiet game (16 points), the supporting cast delivered a stellar performance. Christian Braun, crucial for his defense on James Harden throughout the series, exploded offensively, scoring nine points in the first quarter. Aaron Gordon led the scoring with 22 points, highlighted by a spectacular dunk in the third quarter. Sixth man Russell Westbrook, defying the Clippers’ defensive strategy, shot an impressive 42% from three-point range for the series – his career playoff best. Westbrook finished Game 7 with 16 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals.
Six Nuggets players scored in double figures, mirroring the balanced attack of their 2023 championship run. Interim head coach David Adelman praised the team’s “humble confidence,” noting the resemblance to their title-winning season. The Clippers, despite the peak form of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, were ultimately outmatched by Denver’s collective strength.
The Nuggets now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, with just one day to prepare. This swift turnaround and decisive Game 7 victory stand as a testament to the effectiveness of the Nuggets’ bold decision.
First Piper 