LOS ANGELES, April 7 (Ticker) -- Even though they probably will not make the playoffs, this season has been a big step forward for Elton Brand and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Brand had 18 points and 10 rebounds and set the franchise's single-season record for offensive boards as the Clippers rolled to a 97-75 rout of the woeful Denver Nuggets.

Brand's offseason arrival in Los Angeles started a new era for the Clippers, who have already surpassed last season's win total and still have slim playoff hopes with five games remaining.

NBA TV highlights from Nuggets-Clippers: 56k | 300k Quentin Richardson was 8-for-13 from the floor, including 4-for-7 from long range. Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images

"We're not going to lose all these games," Brand said. "Our goal right now is to be at least .500 and play as a team. We really wanted to make the playoffs with the trials and tribulations we've been through."

After languishing with the Chicago Bulls for two seasons, Brand has had a chance to lead a competitive team and emerged as one of the best power forwards in the NBA, earning his first All-Star berth.

On Sunday, he solidified himself in Clippers history by surpassing the team's single season record of 371 offensive rebounds, set by Michael Cage in the 1987-88 season.

"It's definitely special," he said. "I'd definitely trade it in for a playoff berth. Individual accolades are special. But the playoffs are definitely down the drain."

Brand also tied the Clippers' single-season record of 54 double-doubles, set by Swen Nater during the 1980-81 season.

Brand sparked the offense, scoring six points during Los Angeles' 13-4 run to end the first half. He had two layups and a hook shot during the burst and Eric Piatkowski capped the run with a three-pointer to give the Clippers a 51-35 halftime cushion.

Piatkowski opened the second half with a three-pointer and Los Angeles never looked back. The Clippers had their largest lead at 84-56 on a 3-pointer by Piatkowski with 7:25 remaining and matched it on a three-pointer by Quentin Richardson three minutes later.

Clippers center Michael Olowokandi scored 11 of his 23 points in the first quarter and tied a season high with six blocks in his first game back from a one-game suspension he received last week for criticizing the organization.

Richardson finished with 22 points and Jeff McInnis had nine and 13 assists for Los Angeles, which shot 53 percent (39-of-74) and held a 44-34 rebounding advantage.

James Posey scored 18 points and rookie Kenny Satterfield added 16 off the bench for Denver, which fell to 0-2 on a four-game road trip.

"Every game counts in my eyes," Posey said. "Every game means something. You've got to play as hard as you can, get as much from yourself as possible. I just play every game like it's my last."

The Nuggets shot just 41 percent (33-of-81) from the floor, including 2-of-10 from three-point range, and made only 7-of-12 free throws.

"We played tonight with no energy, we were out of gas," Denver coach Mike Evans said.