Nuggets vs Clippers Highlights and Final Score From Feb 19, 2026
The headline of the night is simple: the LA Clippers edged the Denver Nuggets 101–100 at Intuit Dome on February 19, 2026.
That one-point margin tells you what kind of game it was. Both teams traded control, both teams had stretches of elite execution followed by rushed possessions, and the final minutes turned into a chess match of matchups, fouls, and shot selection. When fans search nuggets vs clippers highlights, it’s usually because the finish was dramatic, and this one fits the mold.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring also shows why it felt like a tug-of-war. Denver led 52–45 at halftime, the Clippers surged in the third, and the fourth quarter turned into a tight exchange where the final possessions mattered more than any early run.
Nuggets vs Clippers Recap: How the Game Actually Flipped
A good Nuggets vs Clippers recap isn’t just “who scored the most.” It’s why the scoreboard moved the way it did.
Denver came out steady early, building offense through interior touches and ball movement that produced clean looks. The Nuggets’ second-quarter control was especially important because it created a cushion that forced the Clippers to chase later. At halftime, Denver’s advantage wasn’t about one hot shooter. It was about consistent shot quality and enough rebounding to avoid giving Los Angeles extra possessions.
Then came the swing. The Clippers’ third quarter was their statement: they won the period 33–25, turning the game with pace and pressure, plus timely scoring that punished Denver’s mistakes. When you watch the nuggets vs clippers highlights, the third quarter is where you’ll see the energy change. Defensive stops turned into transition chances, and transition chances became high-value points that erased Denver’s earlier work.
The fourth quarter stayed tight, and that’s where highlights become history. One-point games don’t end with one play, but they are remembered for the final sequence of possessions where a shot goes down, a stop happens, or a turnover ruins a chance.
Key Performers That Defined the NBA Highlights Package
When people search NBA highlights for this matchup, three names rise quickly: the Clippers’ top scorer, the Clippers’ superstar, and Denver’s engine.
Bennedict Mathurin highlights: The scoring punch that changed the math
Los Angeles got a huge scoring night from Bennedict Mathurin, who poured in 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting and lived at the line with 8-of-9 free throws. In a one-point game, efficient volume scoring matters because it stabilizes everything else. Even when possessions get messy, a reliable scorer gives you an answer.
In the nuggets vs clippers highlights, Mathurin’s best clips are the ones where he creates separation, attacks closeouts, and turns pressure into points instead of turnovers. His output wasn’t just a “nice stat line.” It was the difference between the Clippers being slightly behind and slightly ahead.
Kawhi Leonard highlights: Two-way steadiness in a tight finish
Kawhi Leonard added 22 points, hitting 8-of-18 from the field and grabbing key rebounds while handling a heavy workload. In a game this close, Kawhi’s value shows up in the possessions that don’t look flashy. He keeps the offense organized, makes the right read when the defense collapses, and doesn’t panic when the clock shrinks.
Nikola Jokic highlights: A battle on the glass, but turnovers hurt
For Denver, Nikola Jokić finished with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists. That line screams impact, especially the rebounding, because it kept Denver alive when the offense stalled. But the game also featured a costly issue: Jokic had 6 turnovers. In a one-point loss, every lost possession is a headline.
When fans search Nikola Jokic highlights from this game, they’ll see elite passing windows and tough finishes, but they’ll also see the Clippers’ defensive pressure creating strips, deflections, and awkward late-clock decisions. That push-and-pull is the story of Denver’s night.
Nuggets vs Clippers Box Score Notes That Matter in the Highlights
A Nuggets vs Clippers box score can look like numbers, but it’s really a map of how the highlights happened.
Denver got big contributions from multiple wings. Bruce Brown scored 19 points and added 6 assists, giving the Nuggets steady production when possessions got chaotic. Cameron Johnson scored 18 points and hit two threes, providing spacing and timely shot-making. Julian Strawther also dropped 18 points and knocked down 6 three-pointers, which is exactly the type of burst that shows up repeatedly in highlight reels.
For the Clippers, the supporting cast did the “dirty work” that keeps a close win from slipping away. John Collins posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, and those blocks matter because they often come in the moments when an arena is holding its breath. Kris Dunn had 8 rebounds and 8 assists, acting as the connector who keeps the ball moving to the right place at the right time.
If you’re wondering why this game felt like constant tension, the turnovers tell part of the story. Denver committed 16 turnovers compared to the Clippers’ 12. That gap sounds small until you realize a one-point game only needs one extra possession to swing.
Fourth Quarter Highlights: The Possessions That Made It a One-Point Finish
The best fourth quarter highlights usually come from two things: execution in the half court and defense that forces a bad shot.
This game’s finish was defined by the fact that both teams scored 23 in the fourth quarter. That means no one ran away. Every good possession demanded an answer. Every missed rotation felt expensive. Every free throw was pressure-packed.
When you rewatch the nuggets vs clippers highlights, focus on the way the Clippers hunted matchups to create efficient looks late, while Denver relied heavily on spacing plus secondary scoring to keep pace. The final minutes often come down to whether you can get a clean shot without turning it over. The stats suggest the Clippers won that possession battle by just enough.
Why Intuit Dome Felt Like a Character in This Game
Fans also search the venue alongside highlights because atmosphere changes how big moments feel. This game took place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, and tight finishes tend to amplify crowd energy and player intensity.
In close games, home teams often feed off defensive stops and momentum possessions, and those are exactly the clips that become “viral” highlights: a block, a steal, a tough contested jumper, then a reaction shot. The Clippers had multiple players contributing to those moments, which helped them survive a Nuggets team that brought enough shot-making to win on another night.
What This Game Means Going Forward for Denver and Los Angeles
A one-point game in late February hits differently because it’s not just entertainment. It’s information. Both teams learn what works when the game tightens, and both teams leave with a clear list of possessions they wish they had back.
For Denver, the film points straight to ball security. The Nuggets had enough scoring help beyond Jokic, with strong nights from Brown, Johnson, and Strawther, but the turnover count made everything harder than it needed to be. When you lose by one, you don’t need a perfect offense. You need one fewer empty possession.
For the Clippers, this win is a reminder that balanced contributions can carry you when the opponent has an MVP-level hub. Mathurin’s scoring, Kawhi’s steady two-way presence, and Collins’ rim protection created a mix that held up under pressure. That’s the kind of shape teams want heading into the final stretch.
Conclusion
This matchup is exactly why fans chase nuggets vs clippers highlights the next day. The Clippers won 101–100 in a game where every quarter mattered, every turnover counted, and multiple players delivered highlight-level moments. Whether you’re here for NBA highlights, a quick Nuggets Clippers score check, or a deeper Nuggets vs Clippers recap, this one is worth a rewatch because it shows what playoff-style basketball looks like before the playoffs even start.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, pull up the nuggets vs clippers highlights video, watch the third-quarter swing and the fourth-quarter finish again, and share the recap with the friend who only checks the final score.
