In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets (12-6) managed to secure a 113-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (7-9) for the second time this season, even in the absence of their star Nikola Jokic.
Reggie Jackson, a former Clippers player, stole the spotlight with an impressive 35-point performance, while DeAndre Jordan contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The Nuggets staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, erasing an 11-point deficit.
Despite missing key starters Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, who collectively average 58.2 points, the Nuggets displayed resilience.
Jokic sat out due to low back pain, Murray is dealing with a right hamstring strain, and Gordon has a right heel strain.
Jackson and Jordan played pivotal roles in the fourth quarter, initiating a 22-6 spurt that included key 3-pointers and powerful dunks, putting the Nuggets ahead 99-94.
The Clippers struggled in the final minutes, with Russell Westbrook airballing a crucial free throw and James Harden committing turnovers.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, and Ivica Zubac added 23 points and 14 rebounds. However, Paul George faced foul trouble, finishing with only six points on 2-of-13 shooting.
