JOKIC’S REVENGE
Denver beats Clippers 121-100
The last time Nikola Jokic faced the Clippers, his emotion got the best of him and his frustration spiraled into an ejection.
Jokic got his revenge Thursday night.
Jokic dictated the pace with his fifth triple-double of the season, and the Nuggets throttled the Clippers 121-100 for their 11th consecutive win at the Pepsi Center. His 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists drew another chorus of “M-V-P” chants as the first-place Nuggets improved to 28-12 overall.
“Just another really good home win against a team that embarrassed us in L.A.,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “... Another triple-double (for Jokic). The guy continues to amaze.”
It didn’t count for an assist, but with the lead firmly in hand, Jokic passed to himself off the backboard in the fourth quarter and laid it in in what amounted to another show of his dominance.
The Clippers were led by 19 points from Lou Williams, but the Nuggets’ defense was vastly improved and held Los Angeles to just 43 percent from the field. Unlike in their last meeting, the Nuggets matched the Clippers’ physicality and pounded them on the glass 53-38 while winning the battle in the paint 66-50.
Jokic seized control of the game in the third quarter as the Nuggets pulled away. He feasted around the rim with nine points, snatched nine rebounds and provided the highlight of the night with a seamless assist to Jamal Murray to give Denver a comfortable 73-60 lead. Jokic hauled in a missed 3-pointer from Clippers guard Avery Bradley, wheeled and rocketed a full-court, one-handed heave that hit Murray in stride for an easy dunk.
“I thought his pass to Jamal Murray, he could play for NFL teams the way he passes the ball,” Malone said.
With Gary Harris missing his second consecutive game because of hamstring tightness, the Nuggets received significant contributions from nearly all areas. Mason Plumlee scored a season-high 17 points, Malik Beasley buried 15 points and Monte Morris chipped in 14.
Thursday marked the return of Danilo Gallinari, playing in his first game back in Denver since he was dealt in a sign-andtrade to the Clippers two summers ago. His first season with the Clippers was largely lost to various injuries, but he’s in the midst of a career year this season with averages of 19.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. An all-star selection isn’t out of the question — he ranks fifth in the NBA in 3point shooting percentage at 44 percent and is second in freethrow percentage at 92 percent.
“Whatever the fans have for me, hopefully it will be love,” Gallinari said.
Gallinari was welcomed with a warm reception during player introductions and proceeded to blitz the Nuggets from the 3-point line in the first half.
“I think the biggest thing for Gallo, he’s having a (heck) of a year, is that he’s healthy,” Malone said. “That’s always been the question. Can Gallo stay healthy?”
Malone seemed like he opened old wounds when discussing their last meeting against the Clippers, an embarrassing 132-111 pounding on Dec. 22.
“They had their way with us,” Malone said. “They were more physical, they pushed us around. They were laughing and joking at our expense.”