The Clippers 13-minute miracle in life and death: Batum is ordered to rewrite the fate of the series

On May 2, 2025, in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers reversed the Denver Nuggets 111-105 at home, dragging the series into a tiebreak. In this game, the Clippers fell from 16 points behind at one point to finally winning 6 points. It seems that Harden (28 points and 8 assists) and Leonard (27 points and 10 rebounds)'s superstar performance dominated the victory or defeat, but the key figure in the real invisibility is 36-year-old veteran Nicholas Batum - he played 13 minutes more than the previous game, becoming the "winner" to turn the tide on both ends of the offense and defense.

13-minute lineup change: from "empty" to "not to be ignored"

After the G5 defeat, Clippers coach Tyron Lu decisively adjusted the lineup and increased Batum's playing time from 21 minutes in G5 to 34 minutes in G6. This adjustment directly cracks the Nuggets' defensive trap. In the first half, the Nuggets shorted Clippers player Dunn (scoring only 2 points) and double-teamed Harden and Leonard, causing the Clippers' offense to be sluggish. In the second half, after Batum replaced Dunn, he punished his opponent's shorting strategy with a 42.9% three-point shooting percentage (G6 full-game data), forcing the Nuggets to expand their defensive formation, opening up space for Harden and Leonard's breakthrough.

Off and defense integration: The all-round value of a veteran

Batum's role is far more than projection. He contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks in the whole game, switching from No. 1 to No. 5, and even single defense restricted the Nuggets core Murray (G5 scored 43 points, G6 only scored 21 points). In addition, his support ability activates the team system, second in the team in terms of assists, connecting the firepower of shooters such as Powell (24 points). The Clippers' team reporter commented: "His existence makes the team's lineup more flexible, Zubac can reduce playing time, and the speed advantage of small lineups is completely released."

Tactical Game: Coach Lu's "psychological warfare" and historical experience

Tyran Lu's change of formation is not only based on data, but also includes psychological games. Before the game, he spoke to the players one by one for "psychological temperature measurement" to strengthen team resilience. This strategy continues the tradition of "life and death victory rate of 68.4%" in his career, and Batum's outbreak is a reflection of the "undoubted employment of people". Nuggets coach Malone admitted after the game: "We underestimated Batum's influence, and his experience disrupted our plans."

Trick seven outlook: Can the surprises create another miracle?

G7 will be moved to the Denver Plateau, and the Clippers face the dual challenges of physical fitness and environment. Whether Batum can continue his form remains the key - his three-point restraint and defensive diversity are the core weapons to crack the Nuggets Jokic Murray's pick-and-roll. If the Clippers advance, this 13-minute miracle of formation change may become another classic case in the history of the playoffs. As Leonard said: “Victory belongs to the team, and everyone contributes in the right position.”