Inglewood, Calif. – The LA Clippers began the post-All-Star break with a thrilling victory over the Denver Nuggets, overcoming an early deficit largely thanks to Bennedict Mathurin’s electrifying performance in his Clippers debut. Mathurin’s aggressive play helped shift momentum in a game featuring three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and set the tone for the team’s promising future.
Mathurin Sparks Comeback After Early Struggles
The Nuggets quickly built a 13-4 lead by trapping Kawhi Leonard far from the basket, forcing the Clippers to adjust their strategy. Mathurin entered midway through the third quarter and immediately made an impact, scoring 11 points within six minutes off the bench. His assertiveness contrasted sharply with his quieter first game against the Houston Rockets, signaling a change in approach that the Clippers desperately needed.
Head coach Tyronn Lue highlighted the transformation, stating,
“The conversation we had was in the first game in Houston. I thought he came out really passive, turned down some shots, wasn’t aggressive. I pulled him to the side during a timeout and told him, ‘you’ve got to be aggressive, you’ve got to be who you are, and we’ll figure out the rest.’ We needed it every bit of it tonight. Him being aggressive, getting to the basket, getting to the free throw line, and making some big shots for us.”
Record-Breaking Home Debut for Mathurin
In just his third appearance since joining the Clippers from the Indiana Pacers via a trade deadline deal, Bennedict Mathurin set a franchise record for points scored in a home debut. The guard finished with an impressive 38 points, shooting 12-of-22 from the field and an outstanding 12-of-13 from the free throw line, fueling the Clippers’ offense throughout the night.
Mathurin expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying,
“Man, it’s going to be awesome [playing for Tyronn Lue]. He might end up being my best friend. He told me to be aggressive, man. He told me to be myself, and I feel like he really knows my game. He really knows what I can do. So glad to have him as a coach. And I think that bringing everybody along, we can do a lot of great things.”
Kawhi Leonard’s Supportive Role Amid Illness
Kawhi Leonard contributed 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists despite battling an illness. Denver’s defense frequently doubled and trapped Leonard, limiting his usual effectiveness. However, Leonard managed a vital 10-point third quarter that helped maintain the Clippers’ competitiveness during Mathurin’s brief rest periods.
On adjusting quickly with his new teammate, Mathurin remarked,
“The trade happened so fast, man. I got time to speak with [Kawhi] a little bit, just to catch up with him after All-Star. Great guy! So pretty much trying to build that connection as quick as we can so we can make a deep run in the playoffs.”
Consistent Aggressiveness Highlights Mathurin’s Playstyle
Mathurin opened the game with 11 points in the first quarter and finished strong with 16 points in the final period. His ability to attack the basket relentlessly and draw fouls was key, reflected in his second consecutive game with double-digit free throw attempts.
Reflecting on his aggressive style, Mathurin said,
“I think that I’ve always been just being aggressive, just going to the rim. It’s one of my biggest strengths. So I think that, you know, just knowing when to take a shot or be aggressive, kind of the difference between that.”
Following the game, he also noted the positive atmosphere among his teammates, sharing,
“It’s fun to see how my teammates were happy for me. Just winning, actually winning my second game with the team. So far, so good.”
Mathurin’s Early Contributions Set Tone for Clippers’ Future
Through his first three games with the Clippers, Bennedict Mathurin is averaging 21 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals in about 30 minutes per game, demonstrating his immediate value. The combination of his scoring ability and defensive activity makes him a key figure moving forward.
The Clippers will continue to rely on Mathurin’s energy as they prepare for a high-stakes back-to-back series, beginning Friday night against their city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, at Staples Center. This matchup represents an opportunity for both the team and Mathurin to build momentum for the stretch run of the season.
Jamal Murray vs. the Wall… misses the last of 3 free throws for the tie and the Clippers hold on to win. pic.twitter.com/nFuWFgi1Gx
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 20, 2026
