Nikola Jokic scores 32, Nuggets win 111-108 over winless Clippers with James Harden

Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Clippers, keeping them winless since acquiring James Harden.

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 111-108 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game on Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic was the star of the game, scoring 32 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. The Nuggets' victory kept the Clippers winless since acquiring James Harden last month.

Jokic was perfect on 14 free throw attempts, including two crucial ones with 13 seconds left to hold off the Clippers' comeback attempt. Despite scoring 21 points, Harden and the Clippers have lost five straight games since acquiring him on Oct. 30, and six in a row overall.

Harden acknowledged the challenges of joining a new team without a training camp or preseason, but he remains optimistic about his progress. Paul George tied a season-high with 35 points, but the Clippers fell to 0-2 in West Group B play.

The Nuggets were without point guard Jamal Murray for the fourth straight game, but Aaron Gordon and Reggie Jackson stepped up to contribute to the win. Denver has won both of its games in the West B bracket.

The game was a close battle, with the Clippers taking a 99-92 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Despite the Clippers' efforts, the Nuggets held on to secure the victory. Harden's aggressive play at the end of the third quarter and George's impressive performance were not enough to overcome the Nuggets.

Looking ahead, the Clippers will host the Houston Rockets on Friday night for their third tournament game, while the Nuggets will face the New Orleans Pelicans on the road for their first away game of the tournament.

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