The Denver Nuggets are the defending NBA champions with a 73-win pace and superior defensive efficiency (108.9), while the LA Clippers field a more balanced three-star roster but lack championship experience. Denver's depth and championship pedigree give them the edge despite the Clippers' star power.
LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Western Conference competitor with two All-Star wings but no championship history
2023 NBA Champions with a historically great MVP-caliber point guard and established winning culture.
Championship Experience. Defensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25). Offensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25). Win-Loss Record (2024-25 Season). Three-Point Shooting Percentage. Roster Star Count (All-NBA Caliber). Coach Championship Pedigree
The Denver Nuggets are the stronger team heading into the playoffs with proven championship execution, Nikola Jokic's MVP-caliber play, and elite defense. However, the LA Clippers' three-star system and superior offensive efficiency make them a dangerous matchup. Choose the Nuggets if you value championship experience and balanced team play; choose the Clippers if you believe star power and offensive versatility can overcome Denver's pedigree.
LA Clippers: 115.2 | Denver Nuggets: 113.8
LA Clippers: 110.5 | Denver Nuggets: 107.2
LA Clippers: 0 | Denver Nuggets: 1 (2023)
Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)
LA Clippers: 9.1 (PG) | Denver Nuggets: 7.8 (Murray)
LA Clippers: $188M | Denver Nuggets: $182M
LA Clippers: 119.8 | Denver Nuggets: 118.3
LA Clippers: 112.1 | Denver Nuggets: 109.2
LA Clippers: +7.7 | Denver Nuggets: +7.7
LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard (Elite 2-Way) | Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic (MVP)
LA Clippers: 22.1 | Denver Nuggets: 28.4
LA Clippers: 39.2% | Denver Nuggets: 37.8%
LA Clippers: Second Round (2024) | Denver Nuggets: Finals (2024)
LA Clippers: 0 | Denver Nuggets: 1 (2024)
LA Clippers: 31-22 | Denver Nuggets: 35-18
LA Clippers: 114.5 | Denver Nuggets: 113.8
LA Clippers: 110.2 | Denver Nuggets: 108.9
LA Clippers: 37.2% | Denver Nuggets: 37.2%
LA Clippers: 47.3% | Denver Nuggets: 50.1%
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %
LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard 57.8% | Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic 63.4%
Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)
LA Clippers: 1 (2021) | Denver Nuggets: 3 (2023, 2024, 2009 runner-up)
2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game
LA Clippers: 110.8 | Denver Nuggets: 113.2
2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating
LA Clippers: 113.2 | Denver Nuggets: 111.6
LA Clippers: 0 | Denver Nuggets: 1 (Nikola Jokic, 2024)
Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)
LA Clippers: 6-11 | Denver Nuggets: 16-4
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG
LA Clippers: 23.8 (Leonard) | Denver Nuggets: 30.1 (Jokic)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 33.6 PPG
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 112.8
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 57-25
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 27.8 years
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 5 (all 5 years)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: Away - Denver, CO
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 42.9% (6-14 FG)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 50% (2-4 3P)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 90% (9-10 FT)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: Jokic 3P (0:08 remaining) - 125-126
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 29.1 PPG / 9.0 APG / 66.3% eFG% (Jokic)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 117.3
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 28-16
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: $195.7M
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 29-15
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic 27.8 PPG
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 3 (Nikola Jokic 2021, 2022, 2024)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 30.1 years
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: $218 million
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 119.3
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 109.8
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: 28.1 (Jokic)
LA Clippers: N/A | Denver Nuggets: $184 million (in luxury tax)
How to choose between LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets
LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets. Contains 62 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets.
Who would win in a playoff series between the Clippers and Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets would be favored in a playoff matchup. Vegas sportsbooks project Denver as 2-3 point favorites in a hypothetical series. Denver's defensive efficiency (108.9 vs 110.2), championship experience, and Jokic's proven ability to elevate in the postseason give them the edge. However, the Clippers' three-star system and offensive firepower (114.5 offensive efficiency) make them capable of a Game 7 battle. The series would likely hinge on whether Denver can limit the Clippers' three-point shooting and whether LA's defense can contain Jokic's playmaking.
Why do the Nuggets shoot fewer three-pointers despite having elite shooters?
The Nuggets' offensive philosophy prioritizes Nikola Jokic's playmaking and interior dominance. At 35.8% from three, Denver shoots fewer three-pointers (31.2 per game vs LA's 33.4) because their system emphasizes high-efficiency looks: Jokic's pick-and-rolls, dump-downs to defensive liabilities, and spacing that forces defenders to collapse. The 2024 championship was won with this perimeter-secondary approach. The Clippers, by contrast, run more pick-and-roll actions and spot-up opportunities for their three wings, leading to higher volume from deep.
Is Kawhi Leonard better than Nikola Jokic?
No, Nikola Jokic is the better overall player in 2024-25. Jokic leads in true shooting percentage (63.4% vs 57.8%), playmaking (assists per game), efficiency metrics, and MVP voting. He's also won an MVP (2021) and led his team to a championship. Kawhi Leonard is an elite two-way player with superior perimeter defense and clutch gene, but Jokic's all-around impact, efficiency, and versatility make him the more valuable player. Many scouts rank Jokic in the top 3 NBA players; Leonard ranks in the top 10.
Which team has better depth beyond their stars?
The Denver Nuggets have better overall depth despite the Clippers' three-star system. Denver's supporting cast includes Jamal Murray (third scoring option at 20.5 ppg), Christian Braun (11.2 ppg, strong defense), and role players like Reggie Jackson and Peyton Watson who excel in specific situations. The Clippers rely heavily on Leonard, George, and Hachimura but lack a fourth reliable scoring option. Denver's ability to field quality defenders and mid-range scorers off the bench gives them an edge in playoff series where bench scoring and matchups matter significantly.
What is each team's path to winning the NBA championship?
Denver's path: Jokic continues elite performance, Murray stays healthy, and their defense (108.9 rating) shuts down opponents' three-point shooting. If they advance past the Western Conference, their championship experience and half-court execution give them Finals credibility. LA's path: Their three-star wings must sustain 37%+ three-point shooting to create spacing, Kawhi must stay healthy for the postseason (injury history is a concern), and their defense must improve significantly from 110.2 to top-10 level. LA needs Ty Lue's adjustments to neutralize Jokic while their offense runs hot. Both paths are viable, but Denver's is more proven.
How to Choose Between LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets
Championship Experience: LA Clippers has 0 championships, while Denver Nuggets has 2024 NBA Champions.
Consider: Defensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25)
Defensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25): LA Clippers has 110.2, while Denver Nuggets has 108.9.
Consider: Offensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25)
Offensive Efficiency Rating (2024-25): LA Clippers has 114.5, while Denver Nuggets has 113.8.
Consider: Win-Loss Record (2024-25 Season)
Win-Loss Record (2024-25 Season): LA Clippers has 31-22, while Denver Nuggets has 35-18.
Consider: Three-Point Shooting Percentage
Three-Point Shooting Percentage: LA Clippers has 37.2%, while Denver Nuggets has 35.8%.
Consider: Roster Star Count (All-NBA Caliber)
Roster Star Count (All-NBA Caliber): LA Clippers has 3 (Leonard, George, Hachimura), while Denver Nuggets has 2 (Jokic, Murray).
Coach Championship Pedigree: LA Clippers has Ty Lue (1 ring as coach), while Denver Nuggets has Michael Malone (1 ring as coach).