The Clippers need only to review the horror clip, disguised as the game tape of Game 3, to formulate their game plan for Saturday's Game 4 at Pepsi Center against the Denver Nuggets.

Once the Clippers start making a concerted effort to box out on the boards and make better decisions with the basketball, the momentum of this first-round series should swing decisively back their way.

Playing desperately, because it was a dire situation, the Nuggets overcame their shooting woes -- both from the field and from the free-throw line. The Clippers are allowing too many points in the paint by the Nuggets, far too many second-chance baskets, and for the first time in the series Denver was able to get its transition game rolling.

Whether or not he still is hampered by a groin strain, Clippers forward Vladimir Radmanovic is a liability on the defensive end right now, and when he is not making the opposing defense pay by making three-pointers -- he was 1 of 4 on Thursday -- Radmanovic's contributions are small.

REPLAY
No team in NBA playoff history ever has come back after losing the first three games in a series. The Clippers squandered a chance to put the Denver Nuggets in that hole Thursday, committing 25 turnovers in a 94-87 loss at Pepsi Center.

The Clippers played superb defense for the third straight game but wasted that effort through their carelessness and another shoddy effort on the boards. After leading the NBA in defensive rebounding during the regular season, the Clippers have allowed the Nuggets to grab 42 offensive rebounds in the three playoff games so far.

Denver won despite shooting 37.8 from the field and whiffing on 11 three-point field-goal tries.

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