George Harris
Apr 05, 2024 - 11:05

Los Angeles Clippers Beat Nuggets with Nikola Jokic Triple-Double

Clippers narrowly win against Nuggets, Harden helps maintain fourth spot in Western Conference. Leonard out, Murray almost ready for return.

With only six regular-season games left, five of which will be played at home, James Harden contributed 20 points and 8 assists to help the Los Angeles Clippers (48-28) maintain their hold on the fourth spot in the Western Conference. According to the NBA Website, Russell Westbrook finished with 12 points, Norman Powell with 11 points, and Ivica Zubac of the Clippers with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Despite Kawhi Leonard being sidelined due to a knee injury, Los Angeles secured their second consecutive victory. Jamal Murray of the Nuggets, who had missed seven straight games due to knee soreness, is on the verge of returning. Nikola Jokic had an impressive performance with 26 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.

In a dramatic turn of events, with 7:54 left in the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for disputing with the referees on the court. The Clippers led 75-70 going into the fourth quarter and extended their lead to 90-79, making nine out of ten free throws.

The Los Angeles Clippers narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets to end their losing streak at home. They staged a remarkable comeback in the second quarter after falling behind by 17 points, with Harden scoring 14 points to help them take a 53-49 lead at halftime.

The game started with the Nuggets taking a commanding lead, but Jokic struggled to score until late in the first quarter. Despite a turnover by Gordon and a missed 3-point shot by Jokic in the final seconds, the Nuggets had two chances to tie or take the lead.

Harden made history by becoming only the fourth player in NBA history, alongside Oscar Robertson, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook, to achieve at least 25,000 points, 7,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds. He reached 6,000 career rebounds in the second quarter of the game.