The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets Friday night at home. The Clippers were in control pretty much the whole way through, leading by 10 or more points throughout the entire game. Three of the Nuggets’ big men piled up at least two fouls in only the first quarter of action, and with JaVale McGee already out with a leg injury, the Nuggets lacked size down low early. Thus, Clippers star-forward Blake Griffin was able to takeover early, and former sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford had plenty of room. Griffin finished with 24pts on 8-17 shooting and 16reb. Crawford tallied 27pts, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 6 three pointers. Chris Paul had a quiet night, finishing with just 10pts and 11ast. The Nuggets stayed somewhat close because of the play of Wilson Chandler. Chandler led all scorers at halftime with 19pts, but did not score a single point in the second half. The Nuggets’ bigs were in foul trouble early thanks to the work of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin on both ends of the floor. This was the main reason the Nuggets could not overcome the deficit all game. Also, the Nuggets did not receive much help from their best player in Ty Lawson. Lawson only had 13pts (4-8 FG) and 6ast, both lower than his season averages of 17.8pts and 8ast. Lawson struggled all night dealing with a Chris Paul’s offense on one end, and his pestering defense on the other. The Clippers welcomed back Matt Barnes back into the rotation coming off eye surgery. Barnes provided the second-unit with a spark as usual, adding 13pts and a couple of three pointers. The Clippers will look to keep things rolling at home tomorrow night against Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center…tip-off is scheduled for 6:30pm PT.
Griffin Propels Clippers In Win Over Nuggets
