The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 132-103, at Staples Center on Friday.

A win here for the Clippers gave them a tie with the Nuggets for the two-seed in the Western Conference. It was a dominating victory too, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they got out to a 37-27 lead after the first quarter and put the game away with a 32-23 third quarter and a 34-24 fourth quarter. That allowed them to lead by at least 17 points for the whole of the fourth quarter, leading by 33 points at times. The Clippers ended up out-rebounding the Nuggets, 46-39, while out-assisting them, 35-19. In addition, Los Angeles won the turnover battle, 14-10. while shooting 54 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

The Nuggets (40-19) were led by Nikola Jokic, who tallied 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists on 9-of-13 shooting. Will Barton amassed 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jamal Murray accrued 11 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The Clippers (40-19) were led by Paul George, collecting 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Kawhi Leonard generated 19 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac totaled 10 points and six boards. Montrezl Harrell accumulated 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks off the bench. Lou Williams also had 17 points and seven assists off the pine. Reggie Jackson provided 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers and Denver returning home to play the Toronto Raptors.