Andersen injured in Denver's victory over the Clippers

As gravity took hold, there was little Nuggets forward Chris Andersen could do except prepare himself for impact as he fell to the floor.

“I knew I was tipping over, so I tried to brace, but it’s not like falling when you’re 21,” the 32-year-old Andersen said. “I’m the Bird, not a cat.”

Birdman didn’t land on his feet when he tumbled over the top of Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe on Friday night. After a season-high six blocks, he was forced to leave the game with 7:15 remaining in a nip-and-tuck game at the Pepsi Center.

On the strength of 43-for-59 free-throw shooting, the Nuggets eventually prevailed, defeating the Clippers 109-104 for their sixth straight victory.

Andersen suffered a bruised lower back. X-rays were negative, but it’s uncertain whether he will be able to play Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“I’m going to take it one day at a time right now,” he said. “We’ll see.”