NBA playoff results, takeaways: Clippers escape Nuggets; Pistons hold on vs. Knicks - The Athletic

Clippers' Victory

The LA Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 105-102, evening their series at 1-1. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 39 points and one turnover, a significant improvement from Game 1. Despite Nikola Jokić's triple-double, the Nuggets' turnovers proved costly.

Pistons' Upset

The Detroit Pistons secured a 100-94 win over the New York Knicks, marking their first playoff victory since 2008 and tying the series. Cade Cunningham's impressive 33 points and strong overall performance were key to the win. The Knicks' offense struggled, shooting poorly and lacking spacing.

Key Takeaways

• Kawhi Leonard's strong performance led the Clippers to victory after a Game 1 loss marked by numerous turnovers.
• Despite Jokić's triple-double, the Nuggets' high turnover count contributed to their defeat.
• Cade Cunningham's performance was pivotal in the Pistons' series-tying win, their first playoff victory in over a decade.
• The Knicks' offensive struggles, including poor shooting and lack of spacing, hindered their performance.