Los Angeles ClippersOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 122–109 on January 30 at Ball Arena, controlling the matchup through superior efficiency and ball movement. Nikola Jokić led Denver with 31 points while Ty Hardaway Jr. added 22, as the Nuggets shot 54.8 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers to overcome a Clippers team that managed only 46.5 percent shooting with 14 threes. Denver's offensive rating of 132.5 and defensive rating of 116.9 underscored their dominance, while the Clippers' 34 rebounds and 29 assists proved insufficient against Denver's 43 boards and 30 dimes. James Harden led Los Angeles with 25 points and Kawhi Leonard contributed 21, but the Clippers were outpaced in the third quarter when Denver outscored them 33–30 to build separation. The game fell short of the Vegas total of 218.5, ending at 231 combined points as Denver's defense stiffened in stretches. The victory reinforces Denver's status as a Western Conference contender while the Clippers face consistency concerns heading into the stretch run.
