LOS ANGELES (AP) — J.R. Smith scored 24 points and Gary Forbes added 22, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 108-104 exhibition victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
Aaron Afflalo, the only player to start all five preseason games for the Nuggets, scored 16 points. Undrafted rookie center Eric Boateng made his first start and had two points in 22 minutes after averaging 13 minutes in his first three games.
Renaldo Balkman had 11 points in 25 minutes before fouling out with 3:18 left. He also fouled out Thursday night in a 100-95 victory over the Clippers at Staples Center.
Coach George Karl used only eight players, resting Carmelo Anthony for the second straight game after his 30-point, 14-rebound effort against the Clippers on Thursday and giving the night off to Nene and Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets also played without the injured Kenyon Martin (left knee), Al Harrington (left foot) and Chris Anderson (right knee). Anderson and Martin both are recovering from surgery.
Reserve forward Brian Cook led Los Angeles with 28 points and seven rebounds.
