The Los Angeles Clippers quartet that is destroying the Denver Nuggets

If before the playoffs started it wasn't convincing that Los Angeles Clippers were a real threat in the West, now it is more than convincing. Not only do they hold a 2-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets despite Nikola Jokic's continuous masterpieces, but they are simply playing exceptional basketball at the moment. They are stepping up on both ends of the court, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are forming a superstar duo, and the "other" Clippers are making their mark. Speaking of the "others," as Shaquille O'Neal affectionately describes them, guard Kris Dunn is not only providing great production but also motivating Kawhi to play exceptional defense.

Dunn hasn't exactly exploded from the start in terms of points and offense. He has scored a total of 21 points in three playoff games, reaching double digits only once. But the Clippers don't necessarily need Dunn to produce offensively, considering all he does for them on the other side of the court in defense. Dunn is exceptionally rebounding, with eight in the third game and six in the second. In addition, his defensive energy and tenacity have contributed to four steals and three blocks in three games. Dunn has significantly intensified his role and has helped Los Angeles take the lead in the series against Denver.

Dunn's defensive impact is also not unnoticed by his teammates. After the Clippers' 117-83 thrashing of the Nuggets on Thursday night, Kawhi didn't hesitate to highlight Dunn's defensive example. "There's guys on the floor who want to defend. They're not just pointing at me to get coverage... They motivate me defensively. Particularly, Kris Dunn."

The impact of Kawhi, Harden, and Zubac

While Dunn and his teammates step up for the Clippers, the stars are doing the same. Leonard has played exceptionally well and is doing so healthily, which must be reassuring for Clippers fans. The Bionic Man, as Charles Barkley referred to him repeatedly during the TNT broadcast, is unleashing offensively, not to mention he is scoring efficiently. Kawhi has made 31-51 field goals in the three games played to date, scoring 22, 39, and 21 points. This is the best we've seen Kawhi play in the playoffs in several years.

Harden is also making his impact felt and hasn't had a bad game yet, which might surprise many given past playoff performances. Leonard and Harden are making timely shots, and Harden is racking up the assists along the way (27). It's not just the expected parties' production that has LA ahead of Denver; it's everyone else included. Ivica Zubac continues to deliver one crucial performance after another. He has already recorded two double-doubles and is showing his strength in the paint on both ends. And more importantly, he's proving he can stand up to Jokic.

The Clippers are on their way to getting rid of the Nuggets. Moreover, they seem as dangerous as anyone in this postseason. As Harden and Kawhi continue like this, Los Angeles will increasingly resemble a genuine conference finals team, and who knows from there.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El cuarteto de Los Angeles Clippers que está destrozando a los Denver Nuggets