Even playing short-handed without two stars (Nene and Ty Lawson) and two key reserves (Chris Andersen and Rudy Fernandez), the Denver Nuggets are giving the Los Angeles Clippers all they can handle tonight at the Staples Center. Denver trails by just by just a point, 80-79, after three quarters on Wednesday, led by an unlikely pair of rookies who seem to be putting together a set of breakout performances.
Jordan Hamilton has 15 points in 18 minutes tonight for the Nuggets on 5-of-9 shooting, numbers that include 3-of-4 makes from three-point range. Fellow rookie forward Kenneth Faried is also playing well, finishing the third with 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Arron Afflalo leads Denver with 19 points.
The Clippers are being led by star point guard Chris Paul, who has 34 points and eight assists on 11-of-14 shooting. Blake Griffin has added 21 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles.
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