Clippers Fall to Nuggets in Overtime Amid Playoff Tension

DENVER, Colo. — The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Denver Nuggets, 112-110, in overtime during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Ball Arena. Despite holding a 15-point lead in the first half, the Clippers struggled to maintain momentum, leading to a tense finish.

The Clippers exploded out of the gate, finishing the first quarter with an eight-point advantage. Kawhi Leonard, who averaged 21.5 points per game during the regular season, contributed significantly with 14 points in the first half and seemed poised to lead his team to a potential victory.

However, the game shifted in the second half as Leonard managed just eight points, attempting only one shot in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter and overtime, he recorded three turnovers, which frustrated head coach Tyronn Lue. “I think the pace. I think with them mixing up coverages kinda kept him off-balance,” Lue said regarding Leonard’s performance. “He wasn’t in attack mode, and so just getting him back into an attack mode and not caring what coverage they’re in.”

The Clippers’ lead dwindled as the Nuggets utilized their home-court advantage and made crucial adjustments, ultimately forcing overtime. Former MVP Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a dominant performance, contributing vital points during critical moments of the game.

The Clippers went into overtime with pressure mounting. Despite their strong start, the team was unable to execute effectively down the stretch. They now face the challenge of bouncing back in Game 2, as falling down 0-2 would put them in a precarious position heading home.

Lue emphasized the importance of the upcoming game. “Fortunately for us, it’s a best-of-seven series. We have an opportunity to correct things,” he noted. The Clippers aim to even the series on Monday when they return to face the Nuggets once again.