Shaquille O'Neal Demands $20 Payment Clippers Beat Nuggets SportsRush

Shaq wins $20 bet against Lefkoe on Clippers vs Nuggets game. Harden's performance praised as Clippers secure win without Leonard.

The Los Angeles Clippers emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in their recent matchup. Following the game, Shaquille O'Neal, Jamal Crawford, Adam Lefkoe, and special guest Baron Davis gathered on Inside the NBA to break down the game.

Before the analysis could begin, Shaq playfully reminded Lefkoe of the bet they had placed on the game. While Lefkoe had bet on the favored Denver Nuggets, Shaq had taken a risk by betting on the Clippers. Shaq's gamble paid off, and he made sure to collect his winnings from Lefkoe, who had forgotten about the bet.

The banter between Shaq and Lefkoe added a fun element to the show before the analysts delved into the game. Shaq praised James Harden's performance, highlighting his role in the Clippers' victory. He emphasized the importance of Harden and Russell Westbrook playing unselfishly to benefit the team.

Harden put up impressive numbers in the game, scoring 20 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. Despite taking a high volume of shots, Harden's contribution was crucial in leading the Clippers to victory without their star player Kawhi Leonard, who was sidelined with a knee injury.

The absence of Leonard didn't hinder the Clippers' performance, as they showcased their depth and ability to win games without their top player. The team's record now stands at 48-28, securing them the 4th spot in the competitive Western Conference.

On the other side, Nikola Jokic continued his stellar play for the Nuggets, recording a triple-double with 36 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, his individual brilliance couldn't carry the Nuggets to victory as the rest of the team struggled to make an impact in the low-scoring affair.

The Clippers' resilience and depth were on full display in their win over the Nuggets, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Western Conference. With Kawhi Leonard expected to return soon, the Clippers are poised to make a strong push in the playoffs and secure a top-five seed in the conference.