The Nuggets’ ramp-up process continued Sunday in Los Angeles.

Denver’s starters played regular minutes through three quarters and watched the reserves increase the lead in the Nuggets’ improved to 2-1 in the preseason. Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 102-94 win over the Clippers at Intuit Dome.

1. That was another step toward Denver’s dress rehearsal, but it wasn’t the full thing. The Nuggets’ starters played between 20 minutes (Jamal Murray) and 23 minutes (Christian Braun) through three quarters. The Nuggets led 76-75 to start the fourth quarter. That’s when the starters checked out for good. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting. Nikola Jokic added 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Christian Braun also scored in double figures. Cam Johnson and Murray added eight and seven points, respectively. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who scored a team-high 17 points, did not play after halftime.

2. Braun’s extension might’ve got a little pricier Sunday night. Braun is eligible for an extension on his rookie deal until the season starts. If he keeps playing like he did Sunday, the Nuggets might want to get that deal done sooner than later. Braun impressed early when he initiated a pick-and-roll while being guarded by Kawhi Leonard. He used the screen to shake Leonard and finished the play with an up-and-under finish. Four of Braun’s five shots came from 3-point range, and he made three of them. He also dished out three assists. If he continues to grow into his on-ball responsibilities, he’ll be worth the financial commitment the Nuggets make to their starting shooting guard.

3. The back-up centers showed what they’re bringing to their respective teams. Jonas Valanciunas showed soft hands and strong finishing ability around the rim for Denver. Brook Lopez displayed his shot-making ability for the Clippers. The veteran additions both looked capable of elevating their respective teams’ ceilings this season. Valanciunas and Jokic shared the court for the first time this preseason. The stretch was too short to draw any strong conclusions, but it’s something opposing teams will have to plan for once the regular season starts. Valanciunas went 5 of 7 from the field for 10 points and nine rebounds. Lopez went 3 of 6 from 3-point range to score 15 points off the Clippers’ bench. The Nuggets and Clippers both look deeper than they were in last year’s playoffs, especially at center.