Paul George scored 28 points as the Los Angeles Clippers (48-28) rallied from an early deficit to edge past the Denver Nuggets (53-24) 102-100 on Thursday night. Despite Nikola Jokic’s triple-double performance for the Nuggets, the Clippers secured a crucial victory at home.
The Clippers’ victory marked a significant turnaround, snapping a five-game losing streak at home, despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who missed the game due to a sore right knee.
Jokic notched his 24th triple-double of the season with 36 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, his efforts were not enough to lift Denver to victory, as the Clippers held on for a narrow two-point win.
Denver’s head coach Michael Malone was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls for arguing with the officials.
James Harden contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and eight assists for the Clippers, while Ivica Zubac added a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Aaron Gordon also contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and seven assists for Denver. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 16 points, while Michael Porter Jr. provided support with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Nuggets dropped to second place in the Western Conference, falling half-game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the Clippers climbed to fourth place.
