After looking like a lock for the Western Conference Finals, Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers are now just one game away from elimination following their Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers built up another big lead in Game 6 at 68-49 before the Nuggets rallied for a second consecutive double-digit comeback.

Leonard finished the game with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 8-of-18 shooting from the field. Paul George led the Clippers in scoring with 33 points, six rebounds, three assists, and five steals on 9-of-21 shooting.

The Clippers held a 63-47 halftime lead as well as a 68-49 lead early in the third quarter before the Nuggets made their big run. The offense once again got stagnant, and Denver pushed after every stop and rebound. They also shot 16 three throws in the third quarter as the Clippers simply could not defend without fouling.

By the time the fourth quarter began, LA's lead was down to just two points. The rest of the quarter was eerily similar to Game 5's: Clippers not making shots and Denver brimming with confidence en route to another win.

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After the game, an LA Times reporter straight up asked Kawhi Leonard if the Clippers choked.

“We just went cold,” Leonard responded, not taking the bait. “Went cold in that 3rd quarter. That’s it. Kept getting to the paint, passing the ball. Got a little stagnant. Just couldn’t make shots.”

Simply put, yes the Clippers did choke in Game 6. They were outscored 64-35 in the second half of Game 6, and have been outscored 131-84 in the second halves of Games 5 and 6 combined.