Clippers vs Nuggets: The NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday with high stakes and dramatic finishes. Fourth‑seeded Denver Nuggets hosted the fifth‑seeded Los Angeles Clippers in a Game 1 that swung wildly before Denver prevailed 112–110 in overtime. Earlier, the Indiana Pacers routed the Milwaukee Bucks 117–98 to stake an early claim in their series.
Game 1’s early broadcast on ESPN set the tone for a slate that included:
- Clippers vs Nuggets – 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Pistons vs Knicks – 6 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Timberwolves vs Lakers – 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Pacers vs Bucks – 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Clippers vs Nuggets: A Tale of Two Halves
Los Angeles seized control in the first half. James Harden torched Denver’s defense for 15 first‑quarter points, exploiting gaps around Nikola Jokić and the benched Russell Westbrook. Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac thrived on both ends, limiting Jokić and securing rebounds. By intermission, the Clippers led 53–49, having outscored Denver 51–36 in the second quarter.
Yet the Nuggets roared back. A 13–2 closing run cut the deficit to four at the break, setting the stage for a second‑half battle. Denver chipped away in the third, with Jamal Murray drilling a go‑ahead 3-pointer to tie the game at 81–81. Late in regulation, Westbrook’s putback put Denver ahead 93–92, only for Harden to respond under heavy traffic and force overtime with a layup at 18.7 seconds.
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Overtime Heroics and Decisive Plays
The extra session belonged to the home side. Aaron Gordon’s dunk on Denver’s first possession ignited the crowd, and Christian Braun’s timely 3 made it 108–104 with under a minute remaining. The Clippers never regained their footing:
- Key OT Plays:
- Gordon dunk to start overtime
- Braun 3-pointer from the wing (108–104)
- Westbrook’s defensive stop on Harden’s inbounds attempt
- Jokić’s free throws sealing the victory
Jokić, who finished with a near‑triple‑double, iced the win with two free throws, completing an epic comeback that showcased Denver’s grit.
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Game 1 Nuggets vs. Clippers: Quick Stats
- Final Score: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
- Top Scorers: Westbrook 24 pts, Harden 29 pts, Jokić 22 pts
- Rebounds: Jokić 14, Zubac 11
- Assists: Westbrook 8, Murray 7
- Possession: LAC 51% – DEN 49%
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Pacers Cruise Past Bucks in Eastern Opener
In Indianapolis, the Pacers capitalized on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36‑point, 12‑rebound night but overwhelmed Milwaukee’s depth. With Damian Lillard sidelined, the Bucks struggled for support:
- Pacers’ Balanced Attack: Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 25 points, while Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard (17 pts) and bench duo Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell delivered double‑digit outputs.
- Bucks’ Struggles: Beyond Giannis, no Milwaukee player scored in double figures. Kyle Kuzma logged zero in 21 minutes.
Indiana’s 117–98 victory echoed last year’s first‑round success and highlighted the importance of roster depth in a long playoff run.
What’s Next in the Playoffs
Tonight’s slate keeps the action hot. Fans can catch the Clippers vs Nuggets rematch and all NBA games today on ESPN and ABC. On the Western side, Denver aims to capitalize on home‑court momentum, while the Clippers must find answers fast. In the East, the Bucks will look to integrate Lillard and bolster their supporting cast as Indiana seeks to build a commanding series lead.
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