NBA: Denver Nuggets ends Los Angeles Clippers’ 17-game winning streak

During an undefeated five-week run by the Los Angeles Clippers, the Denver Nuggets were just another team they beat along the way.

The second time around, the Nuggets were the team that ground the Clippers’ streak to a halt.

Danilo Gallinari led six Nuggets players in double figures with 17 points and host Denver stopped the Clippers’ franchise- record winning streak at 17 games with a 92-78 victory Tuesday.

The Clippers’ streak was the longest in the NBA since the Boston Celtics won 19 in a row from Nov. 15-Dec. 23, 2008.

Griffin went 4 of 11 from the field — the first time he’s shot below 50 percent in 18 games. Andre Iguodala said the victory against the NBA’s hottest team could help Denver build “our confidence, our swagger.

The loss was the first for the Clippers since a 105-98 setback against New Orleans on Nov. 26. It also marked the end of a franchise-record seven-game winning streak on the road.

The Clippers, whose point total was two above their season-low, were hurt by poor shooting from 3-point range (5 of 29, 17.2 percent) and the free throw line (13 of 29, 44.8 percent).

Eric Bledsoe also had 12 points, DeAndre Jordan had 11 and Chris Paul 10 for the Clippers.

Trail Blazers 105, Knicks 100: Portland overcame Carmelo Anthony’s season high-tying 45 points and spoiled Amare Stoudemire’s season debut, beating host New York.

Nicolas Batum scored 26 points, Oakland High product Damian Lillard had 21 points, six assists and five rebounds, and LaMarcus Aldridge had 19 points and 14 rebounds for Portland.

Stoudemire finished with six points on 3-of-8 shooting and one rebound in 17 minutes off the bench in his return from knee surgery.

76ers 103, Lakers 99: Jrue Holiday had 26 points and 10 assists as Philadelphia beat host Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 36 points. Steve Nash added 12 points and 10 assists.

Pistons 103, Kings 97: Greg Monroe had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and host Detroit held off Sacramento for its first three-game winning streak of the season. DeMarcus Cousins had 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Kings.

Mavericks 103, Wizards 94: Vince Carter scored 23 points, O.J. Mayo and Darren Collison each added 15 to help Dallas break its six-game losing streak with a win over host Washington.

Timberwolves: Point guard Ricky Rubio will not travel with the team for a two-game road trip to Utah and Denver this week because of back spasms.