Denver overcame an early deficit to defeat the Clippers 102-94 in a preseason game at Intuit Dome on Sunday. The Nuggets improved to 2-1, while Los Angeles fell to 1-1.
The Clippers grabbed a 32-31 lead after the first quarter. Kawhi Leonard scored 10 points with a dunk and free throws.
Aaron Gordon tallied eight points for Denver, including a putback layup. Ivica Zubac added seven points and four rebounds for the Clippers.
Los Angeles extended the advantage to 61-59 at halftime after outscoring the Nuggets 29-28 in the second. Leonard reached 14 points with a three and layup.
Nikola Jokic contributed six points and three assists for Denver. James Harden dished seven assists in 24 minutes but scored just four points.
Denver flipped the script in the third, holding the Clippers to 14 points for a 17-14 edge and a 76-75 lead. Christian Braun drained three threes for 11 points.
Gordon added 10 points in the frame with a three and dunk. Zubac grabbed 10 rebounds total but managed 11 points.
The Nuggets sealed the win in the fourth with a 26-19 advantage. Cameron Johnson scored eight points off the bench with three steals.
Gordon finished with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting and seven rebounds. Jokic ended with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 22 minutes.
Jamal Murray tallied seven points and three assists in 20 minutes. Braun added 11 points with three assists.
For the Clippers, Leonard led with 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting. Zubac recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Jordan Miller scored 11 points off the bench. Harden finished with five points and 11 assists.
Denver scored 40 points in the paint to the Clippers’ 38. The Nuggets converted 15 turnovers into 20 points.
