The Denver Nuggets showcased their dominance against the Los Angeles Clippers with a decisive 120-98 victory on Friday night, despite a surprisingly subdued performance from their star player, Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray led the charge, delivering a game-high 20 points to secure the win.
In a game where Jokic, who had previously excelled with scores of 56 and 48 points in the last two outings, managed only 16 points, two assists, and seven rebounds, the Nuggets still found a way to triumph. For the Clippers, James Harden contributed 15 points but struggled with nine turnovers, marking the team’s second consecutive defeat.
The momentum shifted when the Clippers went on an 18-point scoring spree in the second quarter, overcoming a 12-point deficit to briefly take a five-point lead. However, the Nuggets countered in the third quarter with a remarkable 23-5 run fueled by Michael Porter Jr., who scored 10 of his 17 points during that stretch. This impressive comeback allowed Denver to take control of the game and ultimately finish strong.
Notably, this victory marked the first time since April 9 that the Nuggets held their opponent to under 100 points, further highlighting their defensive capabilities.
In terms of performance statistics, Clippers’ Norman Powell was a major player in previous matchups against the Nuggets but was contained to just 16 points on 3 of 10 shooting from beyond the arc in this encounter.
A critical turning point in the game came when Murray registered two steals early in the second half, igniting the Nuggets’ turnaround and steering them back into command.
As both teams look ahead, they will face new challenges on Monday night: the Clippers will host the Utah Jazz while the Nuggets travel to play the Sacramento Kings.
This game serves as a reminder of the Nuggets’ depth and ability to execute, even when their marquee player is not at his best, which bodes well for their season prospects. The upcoming matchups also promise to be exciting as both teams seek to regain their winning touch.