Nikola Jokic scored just five points as the Denver Nuggets lost 122-110 to the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA preseason game on Wednesday night. The Serbian basketball star played limited minutes as Denver continued preparing for the new season.
Jokic finished with five points, six rebounds and seven assists in approximately 17 minutes at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The three-time NBA MVP made one of his six field-goal attempts. Despite his low scoring total, he continued to create opportunities for his teammates.
Clippers Take Control in the Third Quarter
Denver made a strong start and built an early 15-point advantage. However, the Clippers recovered and tied the game at 24 after the opening quarter.
Los Angeles then moved ahead 58-55 at halftime.
The home team took control in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 38-26. The Clippers maintained their advantage in the final period and secured a 12-point victory.
Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 16 points, while rookie Baba Miller contributed 15. Darius Garland added 14 points and seven assists.
For Denver, Trevon Brazile led the scoring with 22 points. Jamal Murray finished with 14 points in limited playing time.
Jokic Continues Preseason Preparations
The modest scoring performance came just three days after Jokic recorded a triple-double against the Chicago Bulls.
In Denver’s 133-128 victory on October 11, the Serbian center finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 26 minutes.
His latest performance came during another game in which Denver limited the playing time of its leading players.
The Nuggets also suffered an injury concern when guard Julian Strawther hurt his left knee during the third quarter and left the game.
Denver will conclude its preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, October 16.
For Jokic and the Nuggets, the remaining exhibition game offers another opportunity to prepare before the regular NBA season begins.
