Mathurin Scores 38 in Clippers Home Debut

Bennedict Mathurin leads the Clippers to a narrow victory over the Nuggets in his first home game.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Bennedict Mathurin, recently acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers, scored 38 points in his home debut with the team, leading them to a 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Mathurin's performance was a significant contribution in just his third game as a Clipper, helping the team improve to 21-7 since December 20. Kawhi Leonard added 23 points for the Clippers, while Jamal Murray scored 20 for the Nuggets, but missed a potential game-tying free throw in the final seconds.

Why it matters

Mathurin's impressive debut at home showcases the potential impact he can have for the Clippers, who have been on a strong run since his arrival. The close game against the Nuggets also highlights the competitiveness of the Western Conference playoff race, with both teams vying for position.

The details

Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old guard-forward from Canada, was 12-for-22 from the field and contributed 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the game. The Clippers have now won 21 of their last 28 games, a stretch that has coincided with Mathurin's arrival from the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic led the way with 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, and Cam Johnson also scored in double figures.

  • Mathurin was ruled out for the Clippers' games against the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves on February 6th and 7th, respectively, as trade details were being finalized.
  • Mathurin was available to play against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, February 9th, and scored 9 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in that contest.
  • The Clippers are scheduled to play their next game on February 22nd against the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Bennedict Mathurin

A 23-year-old guard-forward from Canada who was recently acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers from the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline.

Kawhi Leonard

A star player for the Los Angeles Clippers who added 23 points in the victory over the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic

The leading scorer for the Denver Nuggets, with 22 points and 17 rebounds in the game.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' point guard who scored 20 points, including missing a potential game-tying free throw in the final seconds.

Aaron Gordon

A Nuggets player who has missed the last ten games due to a hamstring injury.

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What’s next

The Clippers are scheduled to play their next game on February 22nd against the Phoenix Suns.

The takeaway

Bennedict Mathurin's impressive debut with the Clippers showcases the potential impact he can have for the team, who have been on a strong run since his arrival. The close game against the Nuggets also highlights the competitiveness of the Western Conference playoff race, with both teams vying for position.