Jokic returns from knee injury to lead Nuggets past Clippers

Three-time NBA MVP scores 31 points in first game back from month-long absence

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15am

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Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, returned from a month-long absence due to a knee injury to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 122-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Jokic scored 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in his first game back, while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 22 points for the Nuggets.

Why it matters

Jokic's return is a major boost for the Nuggets, who have struggled in his absence and are looking to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The Clippers, meanwhile, are trying to keep pace in the crowded West standings.

The details

Jokic missed the past month due to a knee injury but showed no signs of rust in his return, dominating the Clippers with his scoring and rebounding. Tim Hardaway Jr. also had a strong game, providing valuable scoring support for the Nuggets.

  • Jokic returned to the court on Friday, January 31, 2026 after missing the previous month due to a knee injury.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time NBA MVP for the Denver Nuggets who returned from a month-long absence due to a knee injury to lead his team to victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Denver Nuggets guard who scored 22 points to provide valuable scoring support for Nikola Jokic in the win over the Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers

The NBA team that lost to the Denver Nuggets 122-109 on Friday night.

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The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's return from injury is a major boost for the Denver Nuggets as they look to solidify their position in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. The three-time MVP showed no signs of rust in his first game back, dominating the Clippers with his scoring and rebounding.