The Denver Nuggets are moving on to the Western Conference Semifinals after a hard-fought Game 7 victory over the LA Clippers on Saturday night at Ball Arena. The dramatic win, celebrated with confetti raining down on the court, showcased the Nuggets’ resilience as they now prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be a thrilling second-round matchup in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
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A Grueling First-Round Battle
The Nuggets-Clippers series lived up to its billing as one of the most competitive first-round matchups of the 2025 playoffs. After seven games of intense back-and-forth action, Denver secured the decisive win on their home court, leveraging the mile-high altitude and the raucous energy of their fans. The series had been a rollercoaster, with the Clippers stealing Game 2 in Denver, proving they could compete on the road, while the Nuggets responded with key victories to close out the series.
Nikola Jokić, the three-time Kia MVP, was once again the centerpiece of Denver’s success. Despite the Clippers’ elite defense, led by Kawhi Leonard and a strong supporting cast, Jokić’s playmaking and scoring prowess proved too much to handle. According to NBA.com, Jokić’s minutes on the court were critical, as the Nuggets struggled to maintain their lead during his brief rests. However, players like Michael Porter Jr., who averaged 11.3 points on 48.0% shooting in wins (per NBA.com), stepped up at home to provide the necessary support.
The Clippers, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, who had been a dominant force in the paint throughout the series. Zubac’s impact was notable, with LA being 12.8 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor, per NBA.com. However, their efforts fell short, and the Clippers’ season came to an end, reigniting debates about the 2019 Paul George trade that sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple first-round picks to the Thunder.
A Moment of Celebration
The NBA’s official X account captured the moment of triumph with a striking image of a Nuggets player—widely believed to be Jokić—walking off the court as confetti fell around him. The player, wearing a red and gray hoodie, stood in front of the basket with the scoreboard displaying the final moments of the game. The caption read, “Walking into the Western Conference Semifinals like… #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google,” encapsulating the team’s confidence heading into the next round.
Fans on X had mixed reactions to the outcome. While some celebrated Denver’s victory, others were quick to point out the challenges ahead. @Jey wrote, “What amazing series. Clippers fight hard but the nuggets pull away for the win. Let’s see how the series of okc and the nuggets go. I’m pretty hype for this one.” Meanwhile, @DavidKahoun24 expressed skepticism about Denver’s chances, stating, “This nuggets team is not good. I think they lose the next series.”
Looking Ahead: A Clash with the Thunder
The Nuggets now face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and are well-rested heading into the semifinals. The Thunder and Nuggets split their regular-season series 2-2, with OKC holding a slight historical edge, having won 107 of their 203 regular-season matchups, according to Land of Basketball. However, Denver’s experience in high-stakes playoff games could give them an advantage, even if fatigue from the seven-game series might be a factor.
The Thunder’s rise has been fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose emergence as a superstar has cast a long shadow over the Clippers’ decision to trade him for Paul George in 2019. As @dividendboy2 commented on X, “clippers got exposed today! Paul George trade is officially the worst trade in NBA history!” The trade, which also sent Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks to OKC, has been heavily scrutinized, especially given George’s inconsistent playoff performances and SGA’s ascent to a league-leading 1,286 points in the 2022-23 season alone, per Clips Nation.
Denver, however, is focused on their core. As @Burjkhalifameme noted on X, the Nuggets have a well-rounded squad ready to compete: “ Gordon = Mr. Reliable, Braun = Young star rising, Murray = Cold when it counts, Jokić = MVP mode activated, MPJ = Sniper locked in, Westbrook = Veteran hustle & heart.” The post reflects the optimism surrounding Denver’s roster, which blends youth, experience, and star power.
Fan Sentiment and What’s Next
The X conversation highlighted the stakes of the upcoming series. @ETBSports predicted an upset, writing, “Upset coming against the Thunder,” while @WHARKNUT boldly claimed, “Thunder in 4.” On the other hand, @SwaggyMcNasty captured the intensity of the Western Conference, stating, “Bro, the West is a bloodbath this year, buckle up .” Fans of Jokić, like @Ena820278873851, showed their love for the “Joker,” sharing a video of a young fan cheering enthusiastically.
The Nuggets-Thunder series is set to be a clash of styles—Denver’s methodical, Jokić-led offense against OKC’s fast-paced, SGA-driven attack. While the Nuggets have the experience of reaching the conference semifinals for the sixth time in seven years (per NBA.com), the Thunder’s youth and hunger could make this a closer contest than some expect.
As the Nuggets prepare for the next challenge, their Game 7 victory over the Clippers will serve as a reminder of their resilience. For the Clippers, the loss marks another year of unmet expectations, with the specter of the Paul George trade continuing to loom large. For now, all eyes are on Denver and OKC as the Western Conference Semifinals get underway.
Stay tuned to the NBA Playoffs presented by Google for more updates as the Nuggets take on the Thunder in what promises to be an electrifying series.