Clippers beat Nuggets 115 to103 for their 5th consecutive win

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 22 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-103 on Friday night for their fifth straight win.

Despite the absence of Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets took sole possession of the Western Conference first place over the inactive Memphis Grizzlies. Right wrist management prevented him from playing.

Although the Nuggets beat the Clippers twice in a row, this was a much closer win than the 31-point loss they suffered at Ball Arena.

At least through the fourth quarter. The Nuggets took control and extended their lead to three points. They then doubled the advantage. The Nuggets scored nine consecutive points to increase their lead to 104-92, which was their largest advantage of the game. Aaron Gordon made a 3-pointer, and Bruce Brown scored four more points. Gordon was able to score 17 points.

Kawhi Leonard scored 24 for the Clippers. Paul George, his running partner, didn’t play as he was injured in the hamstring. Norman Powell had 18 points and John Wall had 16. They have lost seven of eight.

Murray ran into a woman courtside as he chased the ball in the fourth. Murray laughed as she emerged and grabbed her arm to make sure she wasn’t hurt. He was able to finish with eight rebounds as well as four assists.

Denver’s Zeke Nnaji got posterized twice — first by Leonard on a one-handed jam in the third and then by Wall on a dunk in the fourth. Both were met with raucous cheers.

The Clippers trailed by five. However, the Nuggets outscored them 20-8, including nine consecutively, to lead 81-74% in the third. DeAndre Jordan (ex-Clipper) and Porter shot 3-pointers, while Gordon did the same.

Robert Covington scored a 3-pointer while Wall made a pair free throws that left the Clippers trailing by 86-81 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Clippers led by seven in the first period.

TIP-INS

Nuggets: Coach Michael Malone stated that he hopes Jokic’s wrist will relax so he can play Sunday. … This season, the score was 3-0 better than LA.

Clippers: Denver’s reserve team outscored them 46-30. … Luke Kennard (right knee soreness), sat out his third straight match. … At 22-22, the score was.500. … I have dropped five Nuggets in a row.

UP NEXT

Nuggets: Orlando hosts Nuggets on Sunday to begin a five-game homestand.

Clippers host Houston on Sunday

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