

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Behind a dominant return from Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets protected home court with a 122–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, extending their winning streak to two games while snapping the Clippers’ three-game run.
Jokić set the tone early, scoring nine points and grabbing four rebounds in the opening quarter. Peyton Watson continued his strong stretch off the bench, adding 11 first-quarter points as Denver built an eight-point lead after one. The Nuggets carried that momentum into halftime, maintaining a nine-point advantage.
Los Angeles made its push in the third quarter behind James Harden, who sparked a 9–1 run to briefly cut into the deficit. Denver quickly responded, however, as Tim Hardaway Jr. caught fire, drilling three straight three-pointers to restore control. The Nuggets entered the fourth quarter up 12.
Denver never let the lead slip in the final period, forcing the Clippers to pull their starters early as the Nuggets closed out the victory.
In his return, Jokić delivered an efficient all-around performance with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Jamal Murray added 20 points and nine assists. Harden led the Clippers with 25 points and nine assists in the loss.
Up next, the Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 2, while the Clippers travel to face the Phoenix Suns on the same day.





