Forward Kenneth Faried scored 18 points on Saturday to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 106-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. The game opened NBA preseason play.

Danilo Gallinari scored 15 points and compiled five assists for Denver. Jordan Hamilton and Corey Brewer contributed 17 and 16 points off the bench, respectively.

Eric Bledsoe led the Clippers with 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 12 of 17 shooting. Jamal Crawford came off the bench and added 19 points and five assists. Matt Barnes had 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

The Nuggets had a solid shooting night, hitting 53 percent of their field goals and 47 percent of their 3-pointers. Denver struggled at the free-throw line, however, connecting on just 62 percent of its foul shots. Los Angeles hit 51 percent of its field goals and 70 percent of its free throws, but the Clippers made a meager 27 percent of their 3s.

Next up for Denver is a date at San Antonio on Friday at 6:30 p.m. MT. The Clippers travel to Beijing for a Thursday game against the Miami Heat. Tip-off is set for 5:30 a.m. MT.