Dec 22 min read

Clippers Thwart Nuggets with a Decisive Endgame Performance.

Updated: Dec 2

Christian Braun of the Denver Nuggets committed a foul against the Clippers' Norman Powell during a three-point shot attempt in the fourth quarter of their game at the Intuit Dome. Photo by Bryan Boado for Tangent Zine.

For the second time this season, the LA Clippers have beaten the previously dominant Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets. An abundance of James Harden and Norman Powell appears to be detrimental to the success of the Mile High City's team.

The Clippers duo combined for 67 points on 43 shots, going 18-of-18 from the free throw line to lead the LA Clippers past the Denver Nuggets 126-122.

James Harden rolled back the clock with an impressive near triple-double, scoring 39 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing 9 rebounds. The Beard achieved another milestone this season, joining Golden State's Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to hit 3,000 career 3-pointers. He rounded out his all-around performance by successfully making all 13 of his free throw attempts.

After being sidelined for six games due to a left hamstring injury, Norman Powell performed impressively, scoring 28 points in 25 minutes of playing time.

On the other side, it was business as usual for three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. He spearheaded the Denver Nuggets with a triple-double, despite the loss. The Joker recorded 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, matching NBA legend Magic Johnson for third place on the all-time career triple-doubles list.

The Nuggets remained close in the game until the Clippers' surge in the 4th quarter, and they struggled to make their free throws during crucial moments. Denver, as a team, hit only 10 of 19 from the free-throw line, resulting in a low 52% conversion rate.