The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets 103-96 in the first game of the NBA pre-season at the Staples Center on Friday.

Joffrey Lauvergne top scored on the night for Denver with 16 points and he contributed 11 rebounds but the Nuggets were unable to prevent the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan taking control with 15 points, 12 rebounds and a game-high three blocks.

After joining the Clippers from the Houston Rockets, Josh Smith provided 13 points in his first appearance for LA as a 34-point second-period haul extended their lead at the main break to 14.

Despite outscoring their California opponents 31-19 in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets were unable to close the deficit as new coach Michael Malone missed the chance to record a winning start to his reign.

Next up for Los Angeles is a trip to Toronto to play the Raptors on Sunday, whilst Denver play the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at the American Airlines Center.