Overview
Nikola Jokic poured in 55 points, tying the highest-scoring performance in the NBA this season, to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 130-116 victory over a short-handed Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic also collected 12 rebounds and narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with six assists.
Jokic dominated early, scoring 25 of Denver’s 39 points in the first quarter, eight in the second, and 19 in the third. He sat out most of the fourth, adding three points to finish 18 of 23 from the field, 5 of 6 from three-point range, and 14 of 16 from the free-throw line.
The Clippers faced additional setbacks as Bradley Beal was ruled out for the season with a fractured hip, and Kawhi Leonard remained sidelined with a sprained ankle and foot. James Harden led Los Angeles with 23 points, making all 10 of his free throws, along with eight rebounds and five assists. Jordan Miller contributed a career-high 22 points off the bench, while Ivica Zubac added 18.
Despite Jokic’s scoring burst, the Clippers kept the game close through the first half, trailing by 10 after the opening quarter but leading 68-63 at halftime. The Nuggets closed out the win with a strong second half for their sixth consecutive victory, improving to 6-0 in the stretch.
Key Stats
- Jokic: 55 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists
- Beal: out for the season (Clippers)
- Leonard: sidelined (Clippers)
- Harden: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
- Miller: 22 points off the bench
- Zubac: 18 points
Author’s note
Authorское резюме: Никола Йокич сделал впечатляющую двойную отметку по очкам и стал движущей силой победы Nuggets, которая подкрепила текущую серию успехов команды.