Norman Powell’s 37 points fuel Clippers’ win at Denver – San Bernardino County Sun

DENVER — James Harden had 23 points and 16 assists, Norman Powell scored 26 of his 37 points in the second half and the Los Angeles Clippers overcame Nikola Jokic’s 41 points to beat the Denver Nuggets 109-104 on Saturday.

Jokic had a career-high seven 3-pointers, but missed a free throw with 20 seconds left that would have tied the game. Harden made four from the line in the final 30.5 seconds.

The Clippers trailed 103-100 when Powell hit a 3-pointer. Jamal Murray, who had 22 points, missed an opener and Harden then made two free throws.

After Jokic split a pair from the line, Harden hit two more foul shots to make it 107-104, and Jokic missed an off-balance 3-pointer.

Food to take home

Clippers: Harden missed a free throw in Wednesday’s opening loss to Phoenix, but was 12 of 13 from the line Saturday. Several of his 16 assists were to center Ivica Zubak, who had 24 points and 15 rebounds.

bites: The offense was better, but the bench was 3 of 18 from the field. Only Julian Swatter scored a field goal for that unit.

Key point

Jokic presented Colorado star Nathan McKinnon with his MVP trophy in the Avalanche’s home opener two weeks ago, and McKinnon returned the favor before tipoff Saturday. He pulled out the Michael Jordan trophy while wearing Jokic’s jersey and hugged the three-time MVP.