BREAKING: Nikola Jokic Has Brutally Honest Kawhi Leonard Message After Clippers-Nuggets Game 3

| Sport
April 26, 2025

Nikola Jokic Has Brutally Honest Kawhi Leonard Message After Clippers-Nuggets Game 3 - Athlon Sports

It was a blowout in the Intuit Dome on Thursday night.

Many fans and pundits were upset with the NBA for airing the Oklahoma City Thunder-Memphis Grizzlies matchup on TNT over the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets.

Turns out, the former had a better matchup, as the Nuggets suffered an abysmal 117-83 loss to the Clippers.

The pivotal Game 3 was the first home playoff game in the Intuit Dome, and the crowd was ready for it.

Nikola Jokic posted a solid triple-double for the Nuggets, scoring 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding 13 rebounds and 13 assists.

It wasn’t nearly enough for Denver, though, as the blowout loss, at the hands of 18 Clippers 3-pointers, gives them a 2-1 deficit in the series.

The hard part for the Nuggets? They’ve got to play a second game in the Intuit Dome while trying to avoid going down 3-1 in the series.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dribbles against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

With how the opposition has been playing, that’ll be quite tough. Kawhi Leonard’s resurgence late in the season, combined with James Harden finding his stride, makes LA incredibly tough to beat.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dribbles against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Jokic sends Leonard message

After the game, Jokic got brutally honest about Leonard when asked about the star forward.

“He’s not supposed to care what other people think about him. He’s a champion, he’s a special player,” Jokic stated. “He’s definitely a unique player. If I’m in his skin, I would definitely not give a [expletive].”

Leonard led the Clippers with 21 points in their Game 3 win, though four players scored 19-plus points — proving the well-rounded effort from the squad.

The star forward has accomplished everything in his career, and he’s simply adding to his resume at this point. Still, he remains remarkable and is one of the best two-way players when healthy.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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