Clippers’ Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread After Shocking Defeat to Nuggets—Can They Survive?

The Clippers faced a pivotal moment on Tuesday night—a Game 5 showdown against the Denver Nuggets that was as much about survival as it was about supremacy. One more win would edge them closer to playoff advancement; one more loss would yank them out of postseason contention yet again. But from the first whistle, it was clear this wouldn’t be a smooth ride. The Clippers found themselves slipping behind early, their defense stretched thin against an inspired Denver squad. Jamal Murray, in particular, was a relentless force, lighting up the scoreboard with a series-high 43 points that left Los Angeles scrambling and ultimately falling short, 131-115, inside Ball Arena. This defeat places the Clippers on the edge—facing elimination for the third straight year unless they rally back in Game 6 at the Intuit Dome. Yet, the numbers aren’t kind: the team that claims Game 5 in a tied series goes on to win 81.3% of the time. The Clippers’ uphill climb just got steeper. LEARN MOREAdvertisementLue had implored his group to get off to a better start, to not have to play catchup in this road game, to not get “bored with the process.”For the Clippers, Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets meant being one more win away from advancing in the playoffs or one more loss away from going home.

For the Clippers, Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets meant being one more win away from advancing in the playoffs or one more loss away from going home.

For the Clippers, Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets meant being one more win away from advancing in the playoffs or one more loss away from going home.

For the Clippers, Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets meant being one more win away from advancing in the playoffs or one more loss away from going home.

Now it’s win Game 6 on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome or the season is over for the Clippers. If they win, then the winner-take-all Game 7 is Saturday in Denver.Murray scored and Michael Porter Jr. drilled a three-pointer for a 72-59 Nuggets lead, forcing Lue to call a timeout just 1 minute 7 seconds into the third.When the Nuggets’ lead grew to 52-38 in the second quarter, Russell Westbrook, the former Clipper, was behind it all.