Russell Westbrook, Nuggets rout Clippers with both teams missing stars

Norman Powell scores 30 points, but the Kawhi-less Clippers can’t keep up with Jamal Murray (21), Westbrook (19) and a Denver team playing without Nikola Jokic, 126-103

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook, front, drives to the basket as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Denver. Westbrook had 19 points and eight assists as the Nuggets handed the Clippers a 126-103 loss. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Nuggets coach Michael Malone made a change from Tuesday night by starting Jordan in Jokic’s place and bringing Dario Saric off the bench. Part of the “Lob City” era Clippers, Jordan responded to his starting assignment with a season-high 12 points and tied his season-best with nine rebounds. He had a big third quarter, dunking off of two alley-oops and tipping in a feed from Westbrook that helped the lead grow to 27 points.

Michael Porter Jr. scored 19 points, Julian Strawther contributed 16 and Christian Braun added 15 as the Nuggets spread the scoring around while improving to 8-0 in the second game of back-to-back sets this season.

Clippers guard James Harden heads to the bench during the second half of their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER — On a night when each team was missing a future Hall of Famer, the Denver Nuggets took care of the Clippers with the help of two former Clippers.

Jamal Murray had 21 points and nine assists, former Clippers sparkplug Russell Westbrook added 19 points and eight assists and former Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had his best night of the season as the Nuggets pounded the Clippers, 126-103, on Wednesday night.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was not available after he flew back to Los Angeles before the game to help his family deal with the wildfires. Leonard, who owns a home in the Pacific Palisades, made his season debut on Saturday after dealing with his surgically repaired knee.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was out for the second straight game due to an illness. Denver, which was also without forward Aaron Gordon, improved to 2-3 without three-time league MVP Jokic this season.

Norman Powell scored 30 points to finish with a 27.6 average in the Clippers’ four games against the Nuggets. James Harden had 16 points and Ivica Zubac and Kevin Porter Jr. each added 10 for the visitors, who have lost four of their last five games.

Denver took control with a 20-3 run in the first quarter to open a 30-13 lead and made five straight 3-pointers to extend the margin to 55-30 with 7:28 left in the second quarter. The Clippers used a 10-0 run to get back within range and trailed by 16 at halftime.

The Nuggets used another spurt midway through the third quarter to put the game away.