After a rocky stretch leading to the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets saw a major turnaround following the firing of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. Nikola Jokic expressed that the organization was seeking a shift in momentum. The Nuggets responded with a dominant 120-101 victory over the LA Clippers in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series, showcasing a return to the championship-caliber play reminiscent of their successful 2023 season.

Aaron Gordon led with 22 points, while Christian Braun's contributions were pivotal, particularly in the first quarter. The supporting cast played a crucial role, with Russell Westbrook shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc throughout the series. Despite a quieter performance from Jokic, the team's depth and balanced scoring proved decisive, with six players finishing in double figures.