The Denver Nuggets secured a strong 120-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, led by Jamal Murray, who scored a game-high 20 points. Notably, Nikola Jokic, who had impressive performances in previous games with 56 and 48 points, had a quieter outing with only 16 points, seven rebounds, and a season-low of two assists.
The Clippers briefly grabbed the momentum by scoring 18 consecutive points in the second quarter, which allowed them to erase a 12-point deficit and establish a five-point lead. This surge came as the Nuggets struggled offensively, missing several shots and recording ten turnovers in just under six minutes. However, the Nuggets responded effectively with a 23-5 run in the third quarter. Michael Porter Jr. played a crucial role during this stretch, scoring 10 of his 17 points.
This game marked a significant defensive achievement for the Nuggets, as they held their opponent to under 100 points for the first time since April 9. Despite James Harden’s contribution of 15 points, he struggled with nine turnovers for the Clippers, who have now lost two consecutive games.
For the Nuggets, coach Michael Malone continues to explore ways to ease the workload on Jokic, and Friday’s game allowed him to rest the star player, as Jokic played less than 30 minutes and did not take to the court in the fourth quarter.
Both teams will look to rebound in their upcoming games on Monday night, with the Clippers hosting the Jazz and the Nuggets facing off against the Kings on the road.
This victory showcases the depth and versatility of the Nuggets, proving that they can perform well even when their star player has an off night. It reflects the team’s strong cohesion and ability to adapt, which will be essential as the season progresses.