INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers dropped their second preseason contest Sunday night, falling 102-94 to the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome. The loss gave head coach Tyronn Lue valuable minutes to evaluate his revamped roster, even as the team continues to await the return of key addition Bradley Beal.

Balanced Effort Not Enough

The Clippers’ offense struggled to find its rhythm against a Nuggets team that looked playoff-ready. Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Brook Lopez provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and three blocks, showcasing the interior presence that drew praise from his new teammate.

“I’m glad he’s on our side now,” Leonard said about Lopez postgame. “I love that we have a shooting five and we don’t have to put a 6’7″ or 6’8″ guy in to try to fill that center void. He can score on a small or like-sized in the post. He’s been doing great.”

Ivica Zubac secured a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 12 points. James Harden orchestrated the offense, dishing out 11 assists to go along with five points and five rebounds.

Denver controlled the boards with a 45-42 rebounding advantage and shot efficiently from the field, connecting on 46.3% overall while holding the Clippers to just 42.9%. 

The Clippers just could not get it going from the perimeter, where Los Angeles managed only 24.3% from three-point range (9-of-37) compared to Denver’s 35.7% (15-of-42).

Aaron Gordon led all Nuggets scorers with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Nikola Jokic put up a characteristic all-around performance with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just 22 minutes of play.

The Nuggets’ bench unit provided some energy, with Curtis Jones erupting for 11 points in just seven minutes to help seal the victory. Christian Braun also contributed 11 points, while Jonas Valanciunas was a force in the paint with 10 points and nine rebounds.

All eyes remain on when Bradley Beal will make his Clippers debut after missing the first two preseason games with a knee injury. Lue provided an encouraging update after Sunday’s game.

“If he keeps progressing the way he is, things are looking good,” Lue said. “Hopefully, we’ll see him Friday.”

Tyronn Lue to @TomerAzarly on Bradley Beal: “He’s feeling better. He’s feeling good. As long as things are going in the right direction, like they have been, hopefully we get a chance to see him on Friday.” pic.twitter.com/1Gp3Sim0zg

— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) October 13, 2025

That would mark Beal’s first game action in a Clippers uniform, adding another dimension to an offense that’s still finding its identity.

Chris Paul, who saw 21 minutes of action in his debut at Intuit Dome, reflected on the unique atmosphere of playing at the Clippers’ new state-of-the-art facility.

“It’s a great adjustment, it’s really cool,” Paul said about Intuit Dome, “but I can’t wait for the regular season to start.”

Chris Paul’s first time on the Intuit Dome floor as a Clipper.

Then Brook Lopez with his first basket on the home floor.

Saw a CP3 and Harden backcourt pairing too 👀 pic.twitter.com/nJ6nbqrHSj

— Grant “Money” Mona (@Gmona48) October 13, 2025

The Clippers (1-1) continue their preseason schedule Friday when they’re expected to welcome Beal back to the lineup. That contest will provide a clearer picture of what this team looks like at full strength before the regular season tips off later this month.