NBA: Clippers overcome Jokic’s triple-double to escape Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, left, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic go after a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — Paul George scored 28 points, James Harden added 20 and the Los Angeles Clippers overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 102-100 in the NBA on Thursday night.
The Clippers snapped a five-game skid at home despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who missed his second straight game because of a sore right knee.
“All in all, it was a good win for us,” Harden said. “The first quarter we got down and didn’t panic and the second quarter we made some shots. Defensively, we locked in.”
READ: NBA: Clippers continue dominance of Hornets
Nikola Jokic had 36 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists — his 24th triple-double of the season — to lead Denver, but missed a potential winning 3-point attempt as time expired. Aaron Gordon added 18 points.
Denver had won two in a row and six of eight.
"We fought hard" -Paul George on the W over the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/YsokAb6cdZ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 5, 2024
“Kawhi didn’t play but they have multiple guys who can defend multiple positions. That’s why they’re so good,” Jokic said.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone was ejected with 7:54 remaining in the game. He came on the court to argue with the officials and was hit with two technical fouls.
READ: NBA: Kawhi Leonard comes alive late to lead Clippers over 76ers
The Clippers took a 75-70 lead into the fourth. They made 9 of 10 free throws while extending their lead to 90-79.
George returned for the Clippers and Jokic came back too, and the Nuggets outscored the Clippers 18-8 to trail 98-97.
Ivica Zubac made four straight free throws, but Jokic hit a 3-pointer that cut the Clippers’ lead to 102-100.
Harden missed a jumper and the Nuggets called timeout with five seconds left. Guarded by P.J. Tucker, Jokic’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer missed.
“It’s really hard in those situations, especially because I think the ball was in the worst possible spot,” Jokic said. “Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t.”
Led by nine points from George, the Clippers outscored the Nuggets 17-8 to open the third and take their largest lead, 70-57. Jokic had just four points in the period.
The Clippers got back into it in the second behind their bench, which outscored Denver 21-0 in the first half. After starting 0 for 5, Harden hit a 3-pointer and scored his first 14 points in the period to help the Clippers lead 53-49 at halftime.
The Nuggets raced to a 17-point lead to start the game. Jokic assisted on early baskets by his teammates before he finally scored for the first time with 5:18 left in the first.
Denver’s Jamal Murray sat out with right knee inflammation.
NEXT NBA SCHEDULE
Nuggets: Host Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
Clippers: Host Utah Jazz on Friday night in the second game of a back-to-back.
