Last night, the Denver Nuggets seized an early advantage against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs of the NBA, winning the opening game at home in overtime with a score of 112:110 (98:98).

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with an impressive 29 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, and three steals, while Aaron Gordon added 25 points and eight rebounds. Jamal Murray supported the effort with 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Russell Westbrook accounted for 15 points and eight rebounds.

On the opposing side, James Harden was the standout for the Clippers, scoring 32 points along with 11 assists and six rebounds. Kawhi Leonard chipped in with 22 points and six rebounds, followed by Ivica Zubac with 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Norman Powell contributing 12 points.

Bogdan Bogdanović did not register any points but recorded five rebounds and two assists.

Denver took an early lead, but the Clippers regained control, establishing a 15-point advantage in the second quarter.

They held their lead until the final moments when the Nuggets managed to edge ahead at 93:92.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, and Jokić missed both free throws with a minute and a half remaining, leaving Denver leading 95:94. Following that, Zubac scored, reclaiming the lead for the Clippers.

After Denver’s unsuccessful possession, Leonard lost the ball due to Murray’s defense, allowing the home team to go ahead 98:96 with a three-pointer from Westbrook. Harden then brought the score to a tie, and Denver could not capitalize on their next possession, leading to overtime.

In overtime, Denver took command, and after a three-pointer from Christian Brown, they led by four points at 108:104 with only a minute left. Harden answered back with a three-pointer, but Gordon quickly connected for Denver, extending their lead. Westbrook’s defensive effort against Harden on the Clippers’ inbound play allowed Denver to regain possession.

Jokić made both free throws to secure the win, while Powell’s late three-pointer set the final score.

Game 2 will be held on Monday in Denver. The series is a best-of-seven format.

Previously, Indiana defended their home court against Milwaukee with a score of 117:98, while the Knicks triumphed over Detroit in New York, 123:112, fueled by Jaylen Branson’s 34 points and eight assists.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled at home in their opening game against Minnesota, losing 117:95.

Luka Dončić tallied 37 points and eight rebounds, but only dished out one assist as the Wolves effectively analyzed the Lakers’ strategy, forcing both Dončić and LeBron James into a total of nine turnovers.

McDaniels was the top performer for the Wolves, scoring 25 points, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

Minnesota set a franchise record by hitting 21 three-pointers out of 42 attempts, with Naz Reed leading the way, making six of nine from beyond the arc.

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