A huge reason why the Denver Nuggets missed the playoffs by one game last season was their road record.

The Nuggets opened the new season on Wednesday by taking care of business away from home as they rallied in the fourth quarter.

„That’s what mature basketball teams do. When everything’s not going well they find ways to win,“ said Paul Millsap, who had 11 points and 16 rebounds. „We stayed with it, didn’t panic and were able to execute down the stretch.“

Denver was 46-36 last season but won only 15 games on the road, which is why its postseason drought was extended to five years.

It looked like the Nuggets’ road woes would catch up with them again. Despite leading most of the game, they trailed 92-84 with 5:14 remaining after the Clippers went on an 11-3 run that was highlighted by a pair of Boban Marjanovic three-point plays.

„We closed out the game well, made some shots and defended well,“ said Jokic, who led the Nuggets with 21 points along with eight rebounds.

The Nuggets were 33 of 87 from the field but outrebounded the Clippers by nine (56-47).

ESPN