Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction

Jamal Crawford scored 21 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, Blake Griffin finished one rebound shy of a triple-double and the Los Angeles Clippers climbed out of an early 16-point hole to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 102-98, at the Staples Center Monday night, winning their fifth straight game.

The Nuggets got off to a great start in this one, taking a 31-15 lead behind a red-hot Wilson Chandler in the first quarter. Chandler buried three three-pointers and scored 13 points in the first period, and the Clippers found themselves in some early trouble.

However, Los Angeles closed the second quarter on a 22-6 run thanks to some spectacular play by DeAndre Jordan to take a 50-47 edge into halftime.

The lead would be short-lived, as Denver stormed out of the break and took a 77-69 advantage heading into the fourth period.

The Nuggets would lead by as much as 10 in the final quarter, but thanks to some heroics by Crawford, LA found a way to steal a victory.

Crawford, who entered the fourth quarter with two points, exploded down the stretch, making big shot after big shot and eventually icing the game with free throws. Leading 99-98 with 6.7 seconds remaining, Crawford was fouled and hit the first of two foul shots. He missed the second, but the rebound took a fortuitous bounce and went back to Crawford. He was fouled again with just under two seconds left, but this time, he made both free throws, giving the Clippers a 102-98 advantage and sealing the contest.

Ty Lawson led Denver, which has now lost seven consecutive games, with 19 points and 11 assists.

Both teams shot 48 percent from the floor, but Los Angeles made nine more foul shots which proved to be the difference in the game.