This same scenario hit Denver a year ago with Minnesota, but the Nuggets are looking for a different outcome this time.

Los Angeles leaned on its veterans in the win, and they delivered a pair of vintage performances. James Harden, who struggled in Game 5 with just 11 points, put up 28 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Kawhi Leonard was equally as important with 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Over his last 11 playoff games when facing elimination, Harden was 1-10 and shooting under 40% entering play on Thursday. Over his last five e