Leonard Stars As Clippers Level Nuggets Series

Kawhi Leonard deed 39 points arsenic nan Los Angeles Clippers levelled their first-round play-off bid pinch a thrilling 105-102 triumph complete nan Denver Nuggets.

The 33-year-old converted 15 of his 19 shots, helping nan Clippers bounce backmost aft an overtime conclusion successful crippled one.

The Nuggets had nan chance to nonstop crippled 2 to overtime but Christian Braun missed pinch a three-pointer pinch six seconds left, while Nikola Jokic grounded pinch nan rebound.

"It felt for illustration he didn't miss a shot. His shot-making expertise is elite," said team-mate James Harden.

"That's nan aggressiveness we request from him. No matter who is guarding him. He conscionable sewage to a spot and raised it up.

"He's a big-time subordinate and he played large clip tonight."

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said: "This is what Kawhi lives for. If we person a patient Kawhi past we tin triumph immoderate series."

Jokic deed 26 points for nan Nuggets arsenic good arsenic 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray added 23 points.

Game 3 of nan bid is connected 25 April (03:00 BST).

The Detroit Pistons collapsed a 15-game play-off losing streak by beating nan New York Knicks 100-94 to level their Eastern Conference first-round play-off.

Cade Cunningham deed 33 points for nan Pistons while Dennis Schroder added 20 points from nan bench.

The triumph was nan Pistons' first successful nan play-offs since crippled 4 of nan 2008 Eastern Conference finals against nan Boston Celtics.

"We did what we were expected to do. And that was it," said Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

"To triumph a crippled connected nan roadworthy to get location tribunal was what we came present for."

Game 3 of nan bid is connected 25 April (00:00 BST).