INGLEWOOD, California – Bennedict Mathurin made a resounding debut at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night, scoring 38 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a thrilling 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers, who acquired Mathurin from Indiana at the trade deadline, have now won 21 of their last 27 games, demonstrating a significant surge in form since his arrival.
The game came down to the wire, with Denver’s Jamal Murray given a chance to tie the contest with three free throws after being fouled by Derrick Jones Jr. With just 0.9 seconds remaining. Murray converted the first two, but his third attempt fell short, and the Clippers secured the rebound as time expired. It was a dramatic finish to a game that saw both teams returning from the All-Star break.
Kawhi Leonard added 23 points for the Clippers, continuing his streak of scoring at least 20 points in 34 consecutive games. Derrick Jones Jr. Also contributed a strong performance with 22 points. The Clippers’ improved record since December 20th – now 21-7 – underscores their recent success and the immediate impact of additions like Mathurin.
Mathurin, who shot 12-for-22 from the field, showcased his scoring prowess in his third game as a Clipper. His 38 points tied his career high, and his performance provided a significant boost to the team’s offense. The Clippers’ ability to integrate Mathurin so quickly into their system is a positive sign as they push for a strong finish to the regular season.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic led the way with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Jamal Murray finished with 20 points, while Bruce Brown and Cam Johnson each added 19 and 18 points respectively. However, Denver played without Aaron Gordon, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury for the tenth consecutive game, and Peyton Watson, who has missed the last four games with the same ailment. The absence of key players undoubtedly impacted the Nuggets’ performance.
The game wasn’t without its moments of intensity. A brief scuffle erupted with 10:27 remaining in the game after a shooting foul, involving Clippers players Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Kris Dunn, and Mathurin, and Nuggets player Jonas Valanciunas. Dunn, Mathurin, and Valanciunas were all assessed technical fouls, with Denver converting a free throw to tie the score at 83-83.
The final minutes were a back-and-forth affair. Jokic tied the game at 107-107 with a basket near the rim with 46 seconds left. The Clippers then regained the lead, going up 115-112 with nine seconds remaining thanks to two clutch free throws from Mathurin. The Nuggets were unable to respond in the remaining time.
The Clippers’ victory is a testament to their resilience and their ability to close out games. Mathurin’s arrival has clearly injected new energy into the team, and his scoring ability provides a valuable asset as they navigate the remainder of the season. The win also strengthens their position in a competitive Western Conference playoff picture.
What’s Next: The Clippers will face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, February 28th, at 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT) at Crypto.com Arena. This will be another key test for the Clippers as they continue their push for a top seed in the Western Conference.
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