The LA Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 122-110 in an NBA preseason matchup at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on October 15, 2026. The Clippers used a strong third-quarter performance and efficient three-point shooting to secure the victory, while Denver struggled to keep pace despite an impressive scoring display from Trevon Brazile.
The Nuggets vs Clippers game featured several standout performances, with Los Angeles gaining momentum after a closely contested opening half. The Clippers improved their preseason record to 2-1, while Denver fell to 2-2.
Nuggets vs Clippers Score and Game Summary
The final score of Nuggets vs Clippers was 122-110 in favor of Los Angeles. Both teams scored 24 points in the opening quarter, setting up a competitive contest at Intuit Dome.
Denver scored 31 points in the second quarter, but the Clippers responded with 34 to take a narrow halftime advantage. Los Angeles then took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Nuggets 38-26. That decisive stretch created enough separation for the Clippers to manage the final period and close out the win.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 24 | 31 | 26 | 29 | 110 |
| LA Clippers | 24 | 34 | 38 | 26 | 122 |
The third quarter proved to be the biggest difference between the teams. Denver scored 29 points in the fourth, but the Clippers maintained their lead to finish 12 points ahead.
Trevon Brazile Leads the Nuggets
Trevon Brazile delivered the top scoring performance for Denver, finishing with 22 points. He shot an efficient 8-of-10 from the field and made three of his five free-throw attempts.
Brazile’s scoring provided a bright spot for the Nuggets, who finished with 41 made field goals on 86 attempts. Denver also collected 44 rebounds, four more than Los Angeles, but those advantages were not enough to overcome the Clippers’ offensive efficiency.
Nikola Jokic recorded seven assists in 17 minutes, helping facilitate Denver’s offense. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets’ rebounding contributors with six boards, including four offensive rebounds.
Despite these individual efforts, Denver struggled to match the Clippers from beyond the arc and the free-throw line.
Rui Hachimura and Clippers Deliver Strong Performance
Rui Hachimura led the Clippers with 16 points, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and making all three of his free throws. He also recorded five rebounds to contribute on both ends of the court.
Darius Garland provided seven assists in 23 minutes, helping Los Angeles create scoring opportunities throughout the game.
The Clippers’ collective shooting was a major factor in the victory. Los Angeles made 45 of 87 field-goal attempts, compared with Denver’s 41 of 86. The Clippers also converted 15 three-pointers, while the Nuggets made 11.
Los Angeles’ 85% free-throw shooting gave it another advantage over Denver, which converted just 57% of its attempts from the line.
Nuggets vs Clippers: Key Team Statistics
| Statistic | Denver Nuggets | LA Clippers |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 110 | 122 |
| Field Goals | 41/86 | 45/87 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 48% | 52% |
| Three-Pointers | 11/33 | 15/33 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 33% | 45% |
| Free Throws | 17/30 | 17/20 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 57% | 85% |
| Rebounds | 44 | 40 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 12 |
The statistics show why the Clippers emerged victorious. Their 45% three-point shooting and 85% free-throw accuracy helped compensate for Denver’s rebounding advantage.
Los Angeles also committed just 12 turnovers, five fewer than the Nuggets. Better ball security allowed the Clippers to maintain offensive pressure and take advantage of scoring opportunities.
What Decided Clippers vs Nuggets?
The third-quarter surge was the defining moment in Clippers vs Nuggets. After two competitive quarters, Los Angeles scored 38 points in the third while limiting Denver to 26.
The Clippers’ perimeter shooting also made a significant difference. They made four more three-pointers than Denver, creating additional scoring opportunities without needing more attempts from beyond the arc.
Denver’s 17 turnovers and low free-throw percentage further complicated its comeback chances. Although the Nuggets finished with more rebounds, Los Angeles was more efficient in several key offensive categories.
What the Result Means for Both Teams
The victory moved the LA Clippers to a 2-1 preseason record, while the Denver Nuggets dropped to 2-2. The result offers both teams an opportunity to evaluate their rotations, offensive combinations and defensive execution ahead of the regular season.
For Denver, the focus will be on reducing turnovers, improving free-throw consistency and finding ways to limit opponents’ scoring runs. Brazile’s efficient performance was a positive takeaway, while Jokic’s playmaking continued to contribute to the team’s offense.
For the Clippers, the strong third quarter and improved shooting efficiency were encouraging signs. Their ability to spread the scoring and protect the ball helped them control the game after halftime.
As the preseason continues, both teams will look to build chemistry and sharpen their performances before the 2026-27 NBA regular season begins.
Conclusion
The Nuggets vs Clippers matchup ended with a convincing 122-110 victory for Los Angeles at Intuit Dome. Trevon Brazile led Denver with 22 points, while Rui Hachimura scored 16 for the Clippers and Darius Garland contributed seven assists.
Los Angeles’ third-quarter advantage, three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy proved decisive. The preseason result gives the Clippers momentum while leaving the Nuggets with areas to improve before the regular season.
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