Bennedict Mathurin shines with 38 points in his Clippers home debut

Bennedict Mathurin made a strong impression in his first home game wearing the LA Clippers jersey. The forward compiled 38 points in his team’s narrow victory over the Denver Nuggets (115-114) on Thursday night in Inglewood.

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A thrilling finish decided at the free-throw line

The game was decided in the final seconds. Jamal Murray had the opportunity to tie the game on three free throws with 0.9 seconds remaining, after a foul by Derrick Jones Jr. The Nuggets guard made the first two before missing the third, sealing Denver’s defeat on the rebound.

Mathurin, acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline, was remarkably efficient shooting 12/22 from the field. Kawhi Leonard provided strong support with 23 points, extending his streak to 34 consecutive games with at least 20 points. Jones Jr. also contributed 22 points, helping the Clippers improve their record to 21 wins and 7 losses since December 20.

Bennedict Mathurin put on a show in his first home game with the Clippers 🔥

38 PTS (ties career-high)
5 REB
4 AST
3 STL

He surpassed Paul George (37 PTS on Nov. 16, 2019) for the most points by a player in a Clippers home debut! pic.twitter.com/GFtFqlqUaJ

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2026

On Denver’s side, Nikola Jokic delivered a solid performance with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Murray added 20 points, while Bruce Brown (19), Cam Johnson and Julian Strawther (18 each) also contributed offensively. The Nuggets played without Aaron Gordon (hamstring) for the 10th consecutive game.

Late-game tensions

Tempers flared with 10 minutes 27 seconds remaining, when Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Kris Dunn and Mathurin of the Clippers got into an altercation with Jonas Valanciunas of the Nuggets under Denver’s basket after a free throw. Dunn, Mathurin and Jonas Valanciunas all received technical fouls.

FULL MOMENT: Jonas Valanciunas tries to fight Clippers after Mathurin and Dunn shoved him pic.twitter.com/azD8R7KcdP

— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) February 20, 2026

The suspense remained until the end. The Nuggets tied the game at 107-107 with 46 seconds remaining on an inside basket by Jokic, before the Clippers took the lead 115-112 with nine seconds left thanks to two free throws by Mathurin. This victory confirms the Clippers’ strong momentum, who will face their neighbors the Lakers on Friday night.