Paul George contributed 25 points as the Los Angeles Clippers staged a comeback to defeat Denver 111-102 on Wednesday night, breaking an eight-game losing streak against the reigning NBA champions, the Nuggets.
In the previous week, Denver emerged victorious with a score of 113-104 in Los Angeles, led by former Clipper Reggie Jackson’s 35 points, while Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon were all sidelined. However, the trio of starters returned for the rematch.
Murray scored 23 points, Jokic achieved a triple-double with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Michael Porter Jr. added 18 points with nine rebounds, showcasing impressive shooting accuracy.Denver hadn’t lost to the Clippers since January 11, 2022, and this defeat dropped their road record to 5-8 after surrendering a 15-point lead in the first quarter.
The Clippers, led by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard’s combined 11-point surge, secured a 103-97 advantage. Ivica Zubac’s block on Jokic and the Nuggets’ struggles in the fourth quarter contributed to their downfall.Harden notched 20 points and 11 assists, Leonard added 17 points, and Norman Powell provided 17 off the bench as the Clippers reached a .500 record at 10-10. Jokic initiated the third quarter with six consecutive points, while Jackson closed it with four, giving Denver an 82-79 lead.
In the second quarter, the Clippers outscored the Nuggets 40-21, with Powell and Harden leading the charge. The improved defense forced Jokic into misses and turnovers, limiting him to four points in the quarter.
The Clippers entered halftime with a 61-57 lead after a run of 11 unanswered points, erasing an earlier 15-point deficit for the Nuggets, who had a strong start with eight 3-pointers in the first quarter, shooting 58% from the floor.
