The LA Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets

The LA Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, and while star point guard James Harden struggled with his shot, he still finished with 20 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds to help lead LA to a win without Kawhi Leonard.

Speaking with reporters after the game, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was asked about Harden, saying, “It’s hard when you play with a couple really good players because you want to get them involved because they can score thirty, forty any given night. I think he developed himself into a great facilitator and he’s finding the open guy. Yes, maybe he missed a couple shots, but I think he’s capable of having good nights, amazing nights actually.”

One of the best playmakers in the game, Jokic understands what it’s like trying to find that balance between being aggressive and looking to get teammates involved. The Clippers have wanted Harden to be more aggressive recently, especially in the absence of Leonard, and he responded with 23 field goal attempts on Thursday. While he made just six shots, Harden was able to do just enough to get the win.