NBA: Nuggets spread scoring around in easy win vs Clippers

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) prepares to pass the ball away from LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) in the second half of an NBA game at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jamal Murray had 21 points and nine assists, Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. scored 19 points each and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-103 in the NBA on Wednesday night.

Julian Strawther contributed 16 points, Christian Braun added 15 and DeAndre Jordan had a season-high 12 points along with nine rebounds for Denver. The Nuggets, who lost to the visiting Boston Celtics on Tuesday, are 8-0 in the second game of back-to-backs.

Both teams were without star players. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard returned to Los Angeles earlier Wednesday to be with his family because of the wildfires. Denver center Nikola Jokic missed his second straight game due to illness.

READ: Kawhi Leonard leaves team before NBA game due to Los Angeles fires

Norman Powell scored a game-high 30 points, James Harden finished with 16 and Ivica Zubac and Kevin Porter Jr. added 10 each for the Clippers, who have lost four of their last five.

The teams split four games this season, with three of those played on the Nuggets’ court.

Jan 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts following a score in the second quarter against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Both teams struggled to score early in the third quarter, and Denver’s lead stayed within 16 for the first few minutes before it started to extend its advantage.

Jordan made two free throws and dunked off a pass from Westbrook, Murray made two from the line, Westbrook scored on a fastbreak layup and a putback to give the Nuggets an 83-59 lead.

Denver continued to build its advantage. Westbrook converted a three-point play and Peyton Watson fed Jordan for another dunk to make it 94-67 with 4:36 left in the third, and the Nuggets headed into the final period up 98-77.

Murray hit two 3-pointers in the first few minutes of the fourth as Denver went up 109-80.

The Nuggets used a 20-3 first-quarter run to go ahead 30-13 and led 33-19 after one period. They made five straight 3-pointers in the second quarter to push the lead to 55-30 with 7:28 left before halftime.

Los Angeles scored the next 10 points to get back into range and the teams went into intermission with Denver ahead 66-50. –Field Level Media