Nuggets Defeat Clippers in Tight Matchup

Denver extends winning streak against LA in high-scoring affair

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:39pm

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The Denver Nuggets (35-20) defeated the LA Clippers (26-28) 119-112 in a close game at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic's double-double, have now won 5 of the last 6 meetings between the two teams. The Clippers, playing without James Harden who was recently traded, put up a fight but ultimately fell short against the visiting Nuggets.

Why it matters

This game continues the Nuggets' dominance over the Clippers, who have struggled to find consistency this season. The Clippers' recent trade of James Harden has left them shorthanded, while the Nuggets remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

The details

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, though he also had 9 turnovers. Jamal Murray added 23 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for Denver. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard had a strong game with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Nuggets' balanced attack.

  • The Nuggets and Clippers met for the third time this season, with Denver leading the season series 2-0.
  • The Nuggets won the previous two matchups, 130-116 on Nov. 12 and 122-109 on Jan. 30.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' star center recorded a double-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, though he also had 9 turnovers.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' guard scored 23 points and added 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' forward had a strong game with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to find ways to win against this tough Clippers team, even without some of their key players.”

— Michael Malone, Nuggets Head Coach

“Losing James Harden is a big blow, but we'll keep fighting and try to find a way to get back on track.”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to extend their winning streak against the Clippers when the teams meet again on March 15th in Denver.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Nuggets' continued dominance over the Clippers, even as LA deals with the loss of James Harden. Denver's balanced scoring attack and Nikola Jokic's all-around play proved too much for the Clippers to overcome.