Nuggets Fall Short Against Clippers in Narrow 115-114 Loss

Jokic and Murray struggle as Clippers make key trade to counter Nuggets' defense

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors of blue, gold, red, and white, breaking down a basketball game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes to conceptually represent the intense on-court action between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and drama of a close game between the Nuggets and Clippers, reflecting the strategic adjustments and star player performances that shaped the outcome.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets fell just short against the Los Angeles Clippers, losing a close 115-114 game on Thursday night. Despite strong performances from role players like Bruce Brown, Cam Johnson, and Julian Strawther, the Nuggets' star duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray struggled to find their usual rhythm, with Jokic committing 6 turnovers and Murray shooting just 33% from the field. The Clippers' strategic trade of Ivica Zubac earlier this month also proved to be a factor, weakening the Nuggets' ability to counter Jokic's physicality.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for the Nuggets, who were looking to build momentum coming out of the All-Star break. The Clippers' trade moves and the off-nights from Jokic and Murray highlight the challenges the Nuggets may face if these two teams meet again in the playoffs. Additionally, Jokic's MVP case received a boost with news of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury, though he'll have little margin for error the rest of the season.

The details

The Nuggets led 52-45 at halftime but were outscored 70-62 in the second half as the Clippers rallied. Jokic and Murray combined for 42 points but struggled with efficiency, while role players like Brown, Johnson, and Strawther stepped up to keep the Nuggets in the game. The Clippers' trade of Zubac earlier this month left the Nuggets without a strong interior defender to counter Jokic, which could be a factor if the teams meet in the playoffs.

  • The Nuggets led 52-45 at halftime.
  • The Clippers outscored the Nuggets 70-62 in the second half to rally for the win.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' star center and reigning NBA MVP, who had 22 points but committed 6 turnovers in the loss.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' star guard, who scored 20 points but shot just 33% from the field and missed a crucial free throw late in the game.

Bruce Brown

A Nuggets role player who stepped up with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on just 9 shots.

Ivica Zubac

The Clippers' center who was traded to the Indiana Pacers earlier this month, weakening the Nuggets' ability to defend Jokic.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder star who was the narrow favorite to win a second consecutive MVP award before being sidelined with an abdominal strain, potentially boosting Jokic's MVP case.

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What they’re saying

“We needed more from our star duo to secure a win tonight.”

— Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone

“Zubac's trade was a strategic move by the Clippers that could impact us if we meet them in the playoffs again.”

— Nuggets Forward Aaron Gordon

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to bounce back in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. The Clippers' trade of Zubac could have long-term implications if the two teams face off in the postseason again.

The takeaway

This close loss highlights the Nuggets' need for more consistent production from Jokic and Murray, as well as the potential impact of the Clippers' strategic roster moves. The race for the MVP award has also tightened with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury, putting more pressure on Jokic to maintain his high level of play.