The first-round clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers is shaping up to be one of the most competitive matchups in this year’s NBA playoffs. Game 1 was a thriller, with the Nuggets narrowly edging out the Clippers 112-110 in overtime.
A Battle of Equals
Both teams finished the regular season at 50-32, but Denver claimed the No. 4 seed — and home-court advantage — by winning the tiebreaker. Game 2 takes place Monday night at Ball Arena.
Denver’s playoff journey begins with an unexpected coaching shake-up. The organization let go of Michael Malone with just three games left in the season. Assistant David Adelman now steps in to lead the team, which is making its seventh straight playoff appearance. MVP candidate Nikola Jokić will be central to Denver’s postseason hopes once again.
On the other side, the Clippers are entering the playoffs in top form. They went 19-9 after the All-Star break — sixth-best in the league — and are now at full strength with Kawhi Leonard healthy. Leonard appeared in 37 games this season and is ramping up at the right time, logging 33 points and 47 minutes in Sunday’s overtime win over the Warriors that clinched their playoff spot.
Game Schedule (All Times ET)
- Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
- Game 2: Monday, April 21 | 10 p.m. | TNT/Max
- Game 3: Thursday, April 24 | 10 p.m. | NBA TV/fubo
- Game 4: Saturday, April 26 | 6 p.m. | TNT/Max
- Game 5: Tuesday, April 29 | TBD
- Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | TBD
- Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | TBD
Games 5–7 if necessary
Odds (via DraftKings)
- Series Odds: Nuggets -110, Clippers -110
- Game 2 Spread: Clippers -1
- Over/Under: 217.5
Game 1 Recap: Nuggets Survive in OT
The Nuggets stole Game 1 after erasing a 15-point first-half deficit. Nikola Jokić led the charge with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also stepped up big in the second half. Russell Westbrook hit a clutch three late in the fourth and forced a key turnover with under 10 seconds remaining to help seal the win.
Despite dominant performances from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden (54 combined points), and Ivica Zubac’s double-double (21 points, 13 rebounds), the Clippers let a golden opportunity slip.
Halftime Update (Game 2): Clippers 55, Nuggets 52
Another close contest is unfolding in Denver. Kawhi Leonard is red hot with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Zubac is battling hard against Jokić and contributing on both ends with 10 points. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray leads the Nuggets with 12 points, while Jokić is steady but not dominant (8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds).
Turnovers are hurting L.A., and Denver’s pace continues to test the Clippers’ defense.
What’s Next
Game 2 promises another intense battle as both teams look to gain the upper hand in this dead-even series. With MVP-level talent and deep rosters on both sides, fans could be in for a seven-game classic.
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