Mathurin scores 38 in Clippers home debut, beats Nuggets 115-114

Rookie Bennedict Mathurin leads Clippers to narrow victory over Nuggets in high-scoring affair.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm

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Bennedict Mathurin, the Clippers' recent trade acquisition, scored 38 points in his home debut to lead Los Angeles to a 115-114 win over the Denver Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard added 23 points as the Clippers held off a late Nuggets rally led by Nikola Jokic's 22 points and 17 rebounds. The game featured a heated scuffle in the fourth quarter that resulted in technical fouls.

Why it matters

This win continues the Clippers' strong play since the trade deadline, as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. For the Nuggets, the loss is a setback as they try to keep pace with the top teams in the West without the injured Aaron Gordon.

The details

Mathurin, acquired from the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline, had a standout performance in his Clippers home debut, shooting 12-of-22 from the field. Leonard also had a strong game, scoring at least 20 points for the 34th consecutive contest. The Nuggets were led by Jokic's double-double, while Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Cam Johnson and Julian Strawther all scored in double figures. A fourth quarter scuffle between players from both teams resulted in technical fouls being assessed.

  • The game took place on Thursday, February 20, 2026, following the NBA All-Star break.
  • With 10:27 remaining in the fourth quarter, a scuffle broke out between players from both teams.

The players

Bennedict Mathurin

The Clippers' recent trade acquisition, who scored 38 points in his home debut for Los Angeles.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who added 23 points in the win.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' star center, who recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds in the loss.

Jamal Murray

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

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' forward, who missed his 10th consecutive game due to a hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to bounce back on Friday night when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Clippers will face their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, on the same night.

The takeaway

Bennedict Mathurin's impressive home debut for the Clippers, coupled with Kawhi Leonard's continued scoring prowess, showcases the team's depth and potential as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Nuggets' loss without the injured Aaron Gordon underscores the importance of health as they try to keep pace with the top teams in the West.