Nuggets Stun Clippers with Game 1 Overtime Win
The Denver Nuggets have taken a 1-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series against the LA Clippers, thanks to a thrilling 112-110 overtime victory at Ball Arena. According to ESPN, the Nuggets trailed by as many as 15 points in the game, but staged an impressive comeback, led by Russell Westbrook’s crucial plays down the stretch.
The Clippers, as reported by ESPN, employed an aggressive defensive strategy against Westbrook, leaving him open beyond the three-point line in an attempt to prevent Nikola Jokic from getting easy scoring opportunities. However, Westbrook made them pay for their decision, hitting a huge three-pointer at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. As ESPN noted, Westbrook’s three-pointer gave the Nuggets their first lead at 98-96 with just 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Westbrook finished the game with 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting, but his impact went far beyond his scoring. He made several key defensive plays, including a crucial deflection at the end of overtime that forced a turnover and sealed the win for the Nuggets. As ESPN quoted Westbrook, "I know that play [the deflection]. They have a dynamic roller with [Ivica Zubac], great cutters and guys that catch lobs. My job is to be able to be the low man and find ways to, excuse my language, f— s— up."
The Clippers’ decision to leave Westbrook open was based on their familiarity with his playing style from his time with the team over the previous two seasons. However, as ESPN reported, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman, Westbrook’s approach is a key part of his game. "Russ is Russ," Adelman said with a smile after the game. "Defensively he was absolutely incredible. He was playing free safety out there. I thought a lot of the reasons why the [Clippers’ 20] turnovers happened, even if it wasn’t him forcing it, just the way he was roaming around and impacting the game, it was great for us."
The Nuggets’ win was also fueled by strong performances from Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic finished with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, despite being physically limited by the Clippers’ defence. As ESPN noted, Murray added 22 points to the Nuggets’ tally.
The game also featured a bizarre incident in the fourth quarter, when Jokic attempted to take the ball from Clippers associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy and athletic trainer Jasen Powell. According to ESPN, the incident highlighted Jokic’s reputation for quickly inbounding the ball and getting his team into transition. As ESPN reported, Nuggets swingman Christian Braun joked that Van Gundy, 63, looked "pretty good" holding onto the ball, while Jokic smiled when asked about Van Gundy’s strength, saying, "It was two against one."
The series now shifts to Los Angeles, with the Clippers looking to bounce back and level the series. However, the Nuggets will be buoyed by their impressive comeback win and Westbrook’s clutch performances. As ESPN reported, Westbrook’s impact on the game was undeniable, and his confidence is likely to grow as the series progresses.
