LOS ANGELES — Bennedict Mathurin erupted for 38 points in 34 minutes off the bench, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 108-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets in his first game at Crypto.com Arena with the club. The guard went 12-for-22 from the field and 12-for-13 at the free-throw line, tying his career high.
“It’s great to have another scorer that can get you 30 points,” Kawhi Leonard said after the win. “I watched him in the Finals last year. He was doing it all year.”
The Clippers acquired Mathurin at the trade deadline to bolster their offense and received an immediate payoff with Thursday night’s result.
Chicago Keeps Ivey on the Bench
CHICAGO — The Bulls left Jaden Ivey out of the rotation for the first time this season, recording a DNP-CD as guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones returned from injuries. Assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr., serving in place of Billy Donovan, described the move as a “basketball decision” that favored veterans Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton.
Ivey later cited ongoing knee soreness and admitted he is “not the same player physically.” Whether the benching is temporary or signals a longer-term shift remains to be seen.
Portland Converts Cissoko, Waives Rupert
PORTLAND — The Trail Blazers signed rookie wing Sidy Cissoko to a standard NBA contract after he reached the 50-game limit on his two-way deal. Cissoko, 19, has started 24 games and earned praise for his perimeter defense.
To create roster space, Portland waived 21-year-old guard Rayan Rupert. If Rupert clears waivers, he will be eligible to sign a two-way contract with any team.
Source: Hoops Wire
