Clippers Fall in Close Overtime Battle with Nuggets in Game 1 of Playoffs

(Highlights from NBA's YT Channel)

Nikola Jokic scored 29 points, provided 12 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds, helping the Denver Nuggets rally from a 15-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime 112-110, securing a 1-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.

The Clippers' experienced pair, Harden (32 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds) and Leonard (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals), led the team's offense throughout both halves. They were supported by valuable additional scoring from Ivica Zubac (21 points and 13 rebounds) and Kris Dunn (10 points).

The Clippers' downfall was primarily due to their 20 turnovers, with four happening in the 4th quarter. Leonard and Harden together accounted for nine turnovers, including some late in the game that sparked the Nuggets' momentum.

“We’re in good shape,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said post-game. “We just got to do what we’re supposed to do and what we talked about. We can’t turn the ball over 20 times. ... We just got to be better with our execution. I think defensively understanding what we’re doing and then offensively understanding how we want to attack them.”