DENVER — April 19, 2025
Russell Westbrook showed why experience matters most in the playoffs. The veteran guard made key plays on both ends of the floor to push the Denver Nuggets past the LA Clippers 112-110 in a dramatic Game 1 overtime win.
Westbrook’s energy turned the tide late. After struggling with his shot most of the night, he came alive when it mattered, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. He hit a critical three-pointer late in regulation, grabbed a vital offensive rebound for the lead, and sealed the victory with a steal in the final seconds.
The Clippers dared Westbrook to shoot, sagging off him by an average of 9.6 feet — the most separation he has ever faced in a playoff game according to GeniusIQ data. Still, when the pressure peaked, Westbrook delivered.
“My job is to be the low man and, excuse my language, f— s— up,” Westbrook said of his defensive mentality.
Denver’s game plan centered on trusting the open man. With the Clippers sending heavy pressure at Nikola Jokic, Westbrook became the unlikely hero. Jokic still posted 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, battling relentless double teams.
“Russ is Russ,” said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. “Defensively he was absolutely incredible… offensively, you live with his aggressiveness.”
A strange moment unfolded late when Jokic wrestled with Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy and team trainer Jasen Powell over an inbound play. Jokic laughed it off, but Denver hinted the league could review the incident due to recent efforts to speed up end-of-game procedures.
Now the Nuggets look to carry their momentum into Game 2. Westbrook’s spark and Jokic’s steady dominance will be crucial as the series continues.
Game 2: Monday, 10 p.m. ET on TNT at Ball Arena.
