The Los Angeles Clippers held off the Denver Nuggets 115-114 on Thursday night at Intuit Dome in a tense, back-and-forth battle that came down to the final free throw. In front of a Clippers Edge Nuggets sellout crowd of 17,927, Bennedict Mathurin poured in 38 points in his home debut for the Clippers, while Kawhi Leonard added 23 and Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in 22. Nikola Jokić led Denver with 22 points and 17 rebounds, but the Nuggets fell just short after Jamal Murray missed a potential tying free throw with under a second left.
Both teams were playing their first game after the All-Star break. The Clippers improved their recent form with the narrow win, while the Nuggets dropped a close one on the road.
Quick Score Summary
Final Score
Los Angeles Clippers 115
Denver Nuggets 114
Date and Location
February 19, 2026 – Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
Scoring by Quarter
- Nuggets: 24 | 28 | 25 | 37
- Clippers: 25 | 20 | 33 | 37
There were 13 lead changes and eight ties. Denver’s biggest lead was 10 points. Los Angeles never led by more than five.
Key Players and Standout Performances
Bennedict Mathurin was the clear star for the Clippers. Acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline, the young forward scored 38 points on 12-of-22 shooting, including 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed five rebounds, dished four assists, and recorded three steals. It was an impressive first home game in a Clippers uniform.
Kawhi Leonard continued his strong stretch with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting. Derrick Jones Jr. added 22 points and was active on both ends. John Collins contributed a solid all-around game with 11 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Kris Dunn quietly filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds and eight assists.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokić posted his usual heavy workload: 22 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists in 36 minutes. Jamal Murray finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Bruce Brown came off the bench for 19 points, while Cameron Johnson and Julian Strawther each scored 18. Strawther was particularly hot from deep, making six of his 10 three-point attempts.
The Clippers held a slight edge in points in the paint (58-50) and free-throw shooting. Denver generated more fast-break points (22-16) but committed 17 turnovers compared to Los Angeles’ 14.
Game Flow and Turning Points
The first half stayed tight. Denver led 52-45 at the break after outscoring the Clippers 28-20 in the second quarter. Jokić and the Nuggets’ supporting cast controlled the glass and found open looks.
Los Angeles responded in the third. The Clippers outscored Denver 33-25 in the period and took a slim lead into the fourth. Mathurin’s scoring burst helped fuel the surge, and the Clippers’ defense forced tougher shots.
The fourth quarter turned into a shootout, with both teams putting up 37 points. The lead flipped several times. In the final minute, the game stayed within one possession. With 0.9 seconds remaining and the Clippers up by one, Derrick Jones Jr. fouled Murray on a three-point attempt. Murray stepped to the line needing all three free throws to give Denver the lead or two to tie.
He made the first two, bringing the score to 115-114. On the third free throw he missed. The rebound was secured as time expired, sealing the one-point victory for Los Angeles.
Box Score Highlights and Team Stats
Clippers
- Field goals: 41-87 (47.1%)
- Three-pointers: 8-33 (24.2%)
- Free throws: 25-30 (83.3%)
- Rebounds: 45
- Assists: 27
- Turnovers: 14
Nuggets
- Field goals: 39-86 (45.3%)
- Three-pointers: 13-40 (32.5%)
- Free throws: 23-31 (74.2%)
- Rebounds: 45
- Assists: 29
- Turnovers: 17
Mathurin’s efficiency from the free-throw line and the Clippers’ Ability to get to the stripe in crunch time proved decisive. Denver’s three-point volume kept them in it, but the late miss and earlier turnovers cost them.
What It Means Going Forward
This was a meaningful win for the Clippers coming out of the All-Star break. Mathurin’s big night gave the team a needed scoring boost alongside Leonard, and the group showed it can grind out close games at home. For Denver, the loss was frustrating given how close they came. Jokić and Murray did their part, but the supporting pieces couldn’t quite close it out on the road.
Both clubs remain competitive in a crowded Western Conference. The Clippers will look to build on this result and continue their solid play since mid-December. The Nuggets will want to clean up the late-game execution and get healthier as the season progresses (Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson were among those unavailable).
The game offered a reminder of how thin the margins are between these two teams. One free throw and a couple of possessions decided it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Clippers vs Nuggets on February 19?
The Clippers won 115-114.
Who led the Clippers in scoring?
Bennedict Mathurin scored 38 points in his home debut.
Who had the best statistical night for the Nuggets?
Nikola Jokić finished with 22 points and 17 rebounds.
How did the game end?
Jamal Murray made two of three free throws with 0.9 seconds left. He missed the third, and time expired with the Clippers ahead by one.
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