Norman Powell’s late-game heroics propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
He scored 22 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, earning a statement win for the West Coast side.
Powell drained a critical three-pointer with just 53 seconds left to tie the game at 103-103.
Following that, James Harden added four free throws, and Powell secured two more in the final 30 seconds, sealing the Clippers’ win in Denver.
Harden contributed 23 points and 16 assists, while Ivica Zubac added a solid 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Clippers.
Although Jokic tallied an impressive 41 points, including a career-high seven three-pointers, he missed a late attempt to tie the game from deep.
CLIPPERS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/EdOZYo8YY9
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 26, 2024
Powell, a 2019 NBA champion with Toronto, expressed the Clippers’ continued confidence for the new season even with Kawhi Leonard out due to a right knee injury.
He said: “Same expectations as always.
“The take is that we’ve got enough. We have the belief in ourselves to go out there and compete in games.
“Just locking in, being aggressive, being what the team needed me to be.
“Taking the shots that came to me.”
Powell added that the team would be prepared to integrate Leonard seamlessly upon his return, aiming to be “clicking on all cylinders.”
Their win cancels out the opening day loss to the Phoenix Suns in overtime.
But next up is a tough test against the Golden State Warriors, who have also looked sharp this season.
