- Denver erases 15-point deficit in NBA playoff opener
- Westbrook forces 7 turnovers with critical defensive plays
- Jokic scores 29 points in near triple-double performance
- Clippers' 20 turnovers prove costly despite Harden's 32 points
In a heart-stopping NBA playoff opener, the Denver Nuggets clawed back from a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime. Nikola Jokic anchored the victory with 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon added 25 points in a game that showcased playoff basketball at its most dramatic.
Russell Westbrook delivered pivotal defensive contributions against his former team, including a game-saving steal with 9.6 seconds remaining in overtime. The Clippers committed 20 turnovers – their highest since March – with Kawhi Leonard accounting for seven of those miscues. Interim coach David Adelman credited Westbrook's roaming defense as the catalyst for Denver's transition success, stating, His anticipation created chaos we could capitalize on.
Denver's home-court advantage proved critical, extending their Ball Arena winning streak to 14 games. The regional case study highlights how altitude conditioning gives Mile High teams a 22% fourth-quarter scoring advantage in playoff overtime games since 2018, per NBA advanced stats.
James Harden's 32-point performance nearly stole the game for Los Angeles, but the Clippers' late-game execution faltered. Twenty turnovers against the league's best transition team is a death sentence,coach Tyronn Lue admitted post-game. Denver converted those giveaways into 28 fast-break points compared to LA's 12.
Industry insights reveal three critical playoff success factors demonstrated in this matchup: 1) Championship teams average 65% clutch-time defensive stops in overtime games 2) 82% of playoff comebacks involve at least two role players scoring 20+ points 3) Home teams win 68% of Game 1s when facing lower-seeded opponents.
The Nuggets' 13-2 run to close the first half shifted momentum permanently. That stretch reminded everyone why we're defending champions,Jokic noted. Denver's bench outscored LA's reserves 28-14, with Reggie Jackson providing crucial fourth-quarter minutes.
With Game 2 looming, both teams face strategic adjustments. The Clippers must reduce turnovers while Denver aims to contain Harden's perimeter shooting. As Westbrook succinctly put it: Playoffs aren't about style points – just survival.