The Los Angeles Clippers leveled the series against Denver in the first round of the NBA Western Conference playoffs, earning a 105-102 victory on the road.

Kawhi Leonard was the standout performer for the Clippers, scoring 39 points. James Harden contributed with 18 points and seven assists, while Croatian center Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Norman Powell also made his mark with 13 points.

On the Denver side, Serbian star Nikola Jokić led the charge with an impressive 26 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. Jamal Murray chimed in with 23 points and six assists, Michael Porter Jr. added a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, and both Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook scored 14 points each.

The next matchup is set for the night between Thursday and Friday at the Clippers’ venue in Inglewood. The team that advances will face the victor of the Oklahoma versus Memphis series in the Western Conference semifinals.

Meanwhile, Detroit also tied their series at 1-1 against New York in the Eastern Conference playoffs after a 100-94 road win.

Cade Cunningham shone for Detroit, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Dennis Schruder added 20 points, while Tobias Harris contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Duran also had a solid performance with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks.

For New York, Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 37 points and added seven assists. Mikal Bridges contributed 19 points along with five rebounds and three steals, while Augie Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart each scored 10 points, with Hart also providing seven rebounds and five assists.

This marks Detroit’s first playoff victory since 2008.

The next game is scheduled for the night between Thursday and Friday in Detroit, where the winner will face the better side from the Boston versus Orlando series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

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