George scores 40, helps Clippers edge Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Paul George scored 40 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers hold off Sacramento in a 111-109 victory Saturday. The Kings went on an 11-4 run to get within 109-106 before George missed a stepback 3-pointer and Nicolas Batum secured an offensive rebound. Norman Powell knocked down two free throws, and De’aaron Fox hit a shot at the buzzer for the margin.

The Clippers (2-0) were missing Kawhi Leonard and new acquisition John Wall. Both didn’t play because of knee injury management. Both are expected to play Sunday in Los Angeles’ home opener.

Fox scored 36 points, and rookie Keegan Murray added 19 for Sacramento in his first NBA game. Kevin Huerter hit five 3-pointers and totaled 18 points for the Kings, and Domantas Sabonis added 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Reggie Jackson had 14 points and Ivan Zubac 10 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers.

■ Nuggets 122, Thunder 117: At Denver, Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 16 rebounds and 13 assists for his 78th triple-double, tying Wilt Chamberlain for sixth on the all-time list, for Denver.

Jamal Murray, playing in his first game at Ball Arena since sustaining a torn ACL in April 2021, scored 16 points for the Nuggets. Neither team held more than a three-point scoring edge in any quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-alexander had 28 points and Josh Giddey 19 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which trailed 88-85 after three quarters.

Michael Porter Jr. hit five 3-pointers and totaled 22 points, and Kentavious Caldwell-pope hit six 3s and totaled 21 points for Denver.

The Associated Press Randall Benton Clippers guard Paul George keeps the ball from Kings forward KZ Okpala in the first quarter of Los Angeles’ 111-109 win Saturday night at Golden 1 Center.