Nikola Jokic thrives in return, propelling Nuggets past Clippers

Nikola Jokic returned from a 16-game absence to produce 31 points and 12 rebounds, leading the host Denver Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers 122-109 on Friday night.

Jokic, who had been sidelined since sustaining a left knee injury at Miami on Dec. 29, shot 13-for-17 from the foul line to help Denver win its second in a row. The Nuggets went 10-6 while he was out.

The three-time MVP led a surge in the fourth quarter that broke open a close game, resulting in Los Angeles taking just its fourth loss in the last 20 games.