The LA Clippers made a serious bid for a place in the Western Conference semifinals. The Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 117:83 at home in Game 3 of the first-round series between the two teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs.

After taking the second game in Denver's arena, the Clippers dominated Game 3 in front of their home crowd. Kawhi Leonard finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, while Norman Powell and James Harden each added 20 points. Center Ivica Zubac scored 19 points, while Nicolas Batum and Derrick Jones Jr. added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

For the visitors, Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double - 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. Jamal Murray also scored the same amount, and Aaron Gordon had 15 points, but the Nuggets didn't seem like a threat to the well-balanced LA team.

Game 4 is back at the Clippers' home on Saturday.

In other games, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3-0 lead against the Memphis Grizzlies after a 114-108 comeback win at the Grizzlies' arena. The Thunder overcame a 29-point deficit to move within striking distance of a semifinal berth. Memphis also lost star Ja Morant, who left the floor in the second quarter after a bad fall and a hip problem.

Meanwhile, The New York Knicks claimed a pivotal victory over the Detroit Pistons. After losing their second home game, the New Yorkers dramatically took the first of their two visits to the Pistons 118:116. | BGNES