Los Angeles leaned on its veterans in the win, and they delivered a pair of vintage performances. James Harden, who struggled in Game 5 with just 11 points, put up 28 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Kawhi Leonard was equally as important with 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Small Game James Harden helped the Nuggets take a 3-2 series advantage entering Thursday night. It matches his history of postseason fades as his career average sinks from 23.3 to 20.8 points in Games 5-7 in a series.

The Los Angeles Clippers enter Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets with their backs against the wall, looking to avoid elimination and force a Game 7 back in Denv