LOS ANGELES — If there’s one thing Clipper Nation can count on their team for, it’s to keep them on their toes. Their most recent game against the Denver Nuggets was a prime example.
After bouncing back from a 22 point behind Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 15-point deficit Wednesday to defeat the Nuggets, 111-102.
Turning point: Much like in their game Saturday with the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers found themselves in a 15-point hole heading into the second quarter. Also like Saturday, the team found their way out of said hole and rallied to outscore Denver 40-21 in the second.
The Clippers 8-of-22 shooting in the third allowed Denver to regain a three-point lead. However, it all came down to the fourth quarter where Los Angeles outscored the Nuggets 32-20 before taking the victory home.
What it means: For the first time since Jan. 11, 2022 the Clippers defeat Denver after eight straight losses to the champs.
Los Angeles advances to 10-10 on the season and has found its way back to .500 for the first time since Nov. 6. The team also solidified their spot at ninth in the West with the recent victory.
Hits: Norman Powell had a big night off the bench with 17 points in 32 minutes. He ended the game with a net rating of +24 while shooting 5-for-12 with five rebounds and two assists.
Misses: Once again the Clippers dug an unnecessary hole for themselves in the opening quarter. The Nuggets dominated in the first shooting 8-for-10 from beyond the arc compared to Los Angeles’ 1-for-9. They ended the first quarter leading 36-21.
Stat of the game: Despite some faulty shooting, the Clippers defense managed to hold last year’s Finals MVP below his average. Nikola Jokic is eighth in the league in points per game at 29, but the Los Angeles squad held him to 22 points on 9-of-32 shooting. The 23 field goals Jokic missed were the most in his career.
Up next: The Clippers will move on to face the Utah Jazz at the ?? Friday in Salt Lake City. The Jazz are 7-13 on the season, but have a winning 6-4 record at home court.
Then Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena will kick off a four-game homestead. Aside from Golden State, the Clippers will host the likes of the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks throughout next week.
