The Denver Nuggets showcased their depth and poise on Friday night, storming past the Los Angeles Clippers with a commanding 120-98 victory. With the Ball Arena crowd roaring, Denver pulled away in a scintillating second half, outscoring the Clippers 72-51 after the break.
Jokic Leads Balanced Nuggets Effort
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, delivered yet another signature performance, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. He was the anchor of a Nuggets team that spread the scoring load effectively. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 20 points, displaying his sharpshooting touch, while Michael Porter Jr. added 17 points, including several key buckets to stem Clippers’ runs.
Denver’s bench also rose to the occasion, with Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther combining for 22 points and making their presence felt on both ends of the court.
Clippers Struggle Despite Harden’s Hustle
James Harden’s 15-point, 6-assist effort wasn’t enough to keep the Clippers competitive in the second half. Ivica Zubac battled in the paint, recording a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, but turnovers (19 total, leading to 24 Nuggets points) and inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc (34.1%) plagued Los Angeles throughout.
Norman Powell chipped in 16 points, but the Clippers sorely missed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, sidelined with injuries. Without their star duo, the team struggled to find rhythm and relied heavily on their role players, who couldn’t match Denver’s firepower.
Turning Point: Nuggets Dominate the Third
The third quarter proved decisive as Denver erupted for 35 points, spearheaded by Porter Jr. and Jokic. The Nuggets shot an efficient 57.9% in the period, compared to the Clippers’ 45%. Denver’s defensive intensity also ramped up, forcing six turnovers and turning them into 9 points. Michael Malone’s squad leaned on their transition game, racking up 36 fast-break points by the final buzzer.
Analysis: Nuggets’ Depth and Efficiency Shine
Denver’s ability to share the ball and exploit mismatches set them apart. Their 23 assists underscored a fluid offensive scheme, with Jokic orchestrating beautifully from the high post. Meanwhile, the Clippers lacked cohesion, often settling for contested perimeter shots, which played into the Nuggets’ defensive hands.
The absence of Leonard and George left LA vulnerable, particularly in late-game situations. Harden attempted to shoulder the load but was stymied by Denver’s physicality.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Denver (13-10) moves above .500 and reinforces their home-court dominance. The Clippers (14-12) have an uphill climb as they await the return of their stars. For now, LA must tighten its defense and address its turnover woes to stay competitive in the tightly packed Western Conference.
