Nikola Jokic returned from a month-long absence to post 31 points and 12 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 122-109 on Friday night at Ball Arena.
The three-time MVP missed 16 games with a left knee injury, and his 29th double-double of the season came in just 25 minutes under a strict minutes restriction. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 22 points, while Jamal Murray contributed 22 and Peyton Watson scored 21 to support Denver’s balanced attack.
Jokic scored 11 points over a 3:47 stretch in the fourth quarter, extending the Nuggets’ lead from five to 16 and securing the win in the second game of a back-to-back. Murray connected on four of five three-pointers and led the team with nine assists.
James Harden led the Clippers with 25 points and nine assists, while Kawhi Leonard added 21 and John Collins scored 18. Los Angeles, winners of 16 of their previous 19, struggled against Denver’s defense and dropped to 22-25.
Denver shot 55% from the field, including 57% in the second half, and hit 26-of-32 from the free-throw line. The Nuggets outrebounded the Clippers 43-34 and forced 11 turnovers, showcasing a dominant inside presence with Jokic controlling the paint.
With the win, Denver improved to 33-16, while Los Angeles fell to 22-25. The Nuggets will host Oklahoma City on Sunday, and the Clippers travel to Phoenix to continue their road schedule.
