Clippers defeat the Nuggets, 103-96, in exhibition opener

The Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 103-96, on Friday at Staples Center in the first exhibition of the 2015-16 season.

The Nuggets clawed their way out of a 21-point hole to cut the Clippers’ lead to as few as three points late in the fourth quarter, but the Clippers held on for the win.

DeAndre Jordan led all Clippers scorers with 15 points on six-for-seven shooting and 12 rebounds. Chris Paul had 12 points on five-for-10 shooting and a game-high nine assists. Blake Griffin had 11 points, though it took him 14 shots to get them, as well as five rebounds and two assists.

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers started Paul Pierce over Wesley Johnson at small forward, despite saying Thursday he was most likely going to do the opposite. Pierce helped the Clippers score the opening bucket of the game after getting a steal, taking the ball crosscourt, then dishing it to Jordan, who made a jam. Pierce finished with five points on one-for-four shooting, one rebound, and one assist in 15 minutes.

Josh Smith led the second unit with 13 points, but made only five of his 13 shots. Pablo Prigioni had a nice debut, which included making a behind-the-back pass to Griffin that resulted in a three-point play. A “Pab-lo, Pab-lo” chant even erupted from a small portion of the Staples Center crowd. Lance Stephenson had an underwhelming game, finishing with six points on two-for-10 shooting.

The Nuggets outshot the Clippers from the field, 42.5% to 40.7%, and from beyond the three-point line, 38.9% to 28.1%. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Clippers, 57-39.

The Clippers, however, forced Denver to commit 24 turnovers, 10 more than they committed.