NBA Playoffs: Nuggets Edge Clippers in OT Thriller, Pacers Dominate Bucks in Game 1 Action

The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off on Saturday with a pair of dramatic Game 1 clashes, as the Denver Nuggets rallied for an overtime victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Indiana Pacers outclassed the Milwaukee Bucks in a dominant win.

Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT): Westbrook Lifts Denver in a Classic

The defending champion Denver Nuggets began their postseason campaign with a nail-biting 112-110 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers at home.

The Clippers looked set to steal Game 1 after storming to a 15-point first-half lead, thanks to a strong opening quarter by James Harden, who poured in 15 points early on. Ivica Zubac also played a key role, winning early battles against Nikola Jokić on both ends of the court.

However, Denver clawed their way back, cutting the deficit to just four at halftime with a 13-2 run. From there, the game turned into a back-and-forth affair. Jamal Murray tied it up at 81-81 with a clutch three, while Russell Westbrook—playing extended minutes—sparked a late fourth-quarter push.

With under 30 seconds left, Westbrook nailed a corner three to give Denver a two-point lead, but Harden responded with a tough layup to force overtime.

In the extra period, Aaron Gordon opened scoring with a dunk, and the Nuggets never looked back. Christian Braun’s three-pointer put Denver up 108-104, and Jokić sealed the win from the line after Westbrook forced a key turnover on Harden in the closing seconds.

Jokić, Westbrook, and Murray each made big plays down the stretch as Denver escaped with the Game 1 win and a 1-0 series lead.

Pacers 117, Bucks 98: Indiana’s Depth Overwhelms Short-Handed Milwaukee

In a rematch of last year’s first-round series, the Indiana Pacers once again asserted dominance over the Milwaukee Bucks, cruising to a 117-98 win.

The Bucks were without Damian Lillard, and the absence was glaring. Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to carry the load, finishing with 36 points and 12 rebounds, but had little help. No other Bucks player reached 15 points, and Kyle Kuzma turned in a forgettable night, failing to record a single point, rebound, or assist in 21 minutes.

Meanwhile, Indiana’s balanced attack proved too much. Pascal Siakam led with 25 points, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Despite a quiet shooting night from Tyrese Haliburton (10 points on 3-of-13 shooting), the Pacers got major contributions off the bench—Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell each hit double figures, while Andrew Nembhard chipped in 17.

Indiana’s depth, a key factor in their deep run last season, appears to be a decisive advantage once again as they take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Saturday Night Games Still Ahead

Two more Game 1 matchups were scheduled for later Saturday:

• Detroit Pistons (6) at New York Knicks (3)

• Minnesota Timberwolves (6) at Los Angeles Lakers (3)