OVERTIME IN CLIPPERS-NUGGETS GAME 1 ON ESPN 🔥

Basketball fans were treated to an instant classic as the Clippers and Nuggets went to overtime in a wild Game 1 showdown on ESPN. From highlight plays to clutch buckets, momentum swings to defensive battles, this was everything you’d want in a playoff opener — and then some. Ultimately, it was the Denver Nuggets who edged out the win, but both teams left it all on the floor in a game that could set the tone for a legendary series.

From the jump, it was clear this game was going to be a dogfight. The Clippers came out aggressive behind Kawhi Leonard’s smooth midrange game and James Harden’s playmaking. Harden looked sharp, dropping dimes and attacking the paint with purpose. Kawhi, calm as ever, hit tough shot after tough shot, finishing with 29 points.

But Denver had answers.

Nikola Jokić, the reigning Finals MVP, was surgical all night. He picked apart the Clippers’ defense with a blend of finesse and brute strength, finishing with 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jamal Murray added 25, including several huge buckets in crunch time, while Michael Porter Jr. stayed active on both ends. Still, it wasn’t just the stars making noise — role players on both sides stepped up, especially late.

The final minutes of regulation were pure chaos. Down three with under 30 seconds to play, the Clippers ran a perfectly executed play to free up Norman Powell, who buried a deep corner three to tie it at 114. Denver had one last shot, but Murray’s contested runner rimmed out. Overtime.

The extra period was a defensive grind. Bodies were flying, shots were contested, and every possession felt like life or death. Jokić hit a tough fadeaway to give Denver a narrow lead, but the Clippers wouldn’t go away. Westbrook brought the energy, diving for loose balls and drawing a key offensive foul. With just under a minute left, the Nuggets led by two when Christian Braun — yes, again — hit a clutch driving layup through contact, giving Denver just enough cushion.

The Clippers had a chance to tie, but a late three by Paul George hit the back iron. Aaron Gordon snagged the rebound, and the Nuggets sealed it at the free-throw line. Final score: 123–119, Nuggets.

After the game, ESPN’s studio crew was buzzing. “That’s how you open a series,” said Jalen Rose. “Two teams who want it. You saw it on every possession.”

The storylines were everywhere. Jokić being unguardable. Kawhi quietly dominating. Murray’s clutch gene. Harden’s bounce-back performance. But what stood out most was the sheer intensity — a playoff atmosphere from start to finish. Every run was answered. Every bucket mattered.

Both coaches tipped their caps postgame. Michael Malone praised his team’s resilience: “That’s a championship-level win. We didn’t play perfect, but we battled. That’s what it takes in the playoffs.” Meanwhile, Clippers coach Ty Lue said, “We were right there. A couple possessions change and it’s our game. But credit to Denver — they made the plays when it mattered.”

Game 1 was more than just a win — it was a warning. This series is going to be a war. Both squads have championship aspirations, deep rosters, and stars who can take over. If this is how it starts, just imagine what Game 2 will bring.

Bottom line? Don’t miss a second of it.

Because if this is what Game 1 looked like, we’re in for something special.