Bennedict Mathurin's 38 points lift Clippers over Nuggets

Kawhi Leonard adds 23 points as Los Angeles holds off Denver in tight contest

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Bennedict Mathurin scored a season-high 38 points in his home debut for the Los Angeles Clippers, leading the team to a 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard contributed 23 points as the Clippers ended a two-game home losing streak and moved into a potential play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference standings. The game became physical in the fourth quarter, with a shoving match resulting in three technical fouls.

Why it matters

The win was an important one for the Clippers, who have been surging since late December and are now in position to potentially make the playoffs through the play-in tournament. Mathurin's impressive performance in his third game with the team also showcases the potential impact of the trade deadline acquisition.

The details

Mathurin scored a season-high 38 points, while Leonard added 23 points for the Clippers. Derrick Jones Jr. had 22 points and John Collins recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The game came down to the wire, with the Clippers leading 115-112 with 9.1 seconds left. Nuggets star Jamal Murray had a chance to tie the game with three free throws, but he missed the third attempt and time expired.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

The players

Bennedict Mathurin

A 38-point scorer in his home debut for the Los Angeles Clippers after being acquired in a trade deadline deal from the Indiana Pacers.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player who contributed 23 points in the win, extending his streak of 20-point games to 34 consecutive.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star player who compiled 22 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists, though his four-game triple-double streak was snapped.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' guard who scored 20 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, but missed the potential game-tying free throw in the final seconds.

Bruce Brown

The Nuggets' player who scored 19 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.