The Clippers held on the lead for the second half – despite a couple of Nugget rallies, spearheaded by Carmelo Anthony – and won 106-99 at Staples Center.
Rasual Butler finished the game with 27 points while Al Thornton added 18, Chris Kaman 13 and Baron Davis had 12, after a slow start.
Anthony lead all scorers with 37 points, shooting 12 of 20 from the field and 12 of 13 from the free throw line. Nene added 18 points, Kenyon Martin 14 and Ty Lawson tossed in 12 for the Nuggets, who fall to 8-4.
The Clippers improve to 5-9, still without #1 pick Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, both who are out due to injury.