The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off on Saturday with a pair of dramatic Recreation 1 clashes, because the Denver Nuggets rallied for an time beyond regulation victory in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers, whereas the Indiana Pacers outclassed the Milwaukee Bucks in a dominant win.
Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT): Westbrook Lifts Denver in a Traditional
The defending champion Denver Nuggets started their postseason marketing campaign with a nail-biting 112-110 time beyond regulation win over the Los Angeles Clippers at house.
The Clippers appeared set to steal Recreation 1 after storming to a 15-point first-half lead, due to a powerful opening quarter by James Harden, who poured in 15 factors early on. Ivica Zubac additionally performed a key position, profitable early battles in opposition to Nikola Jokić on each ends of the court docket.
Nonetheless, Denver clawed their means again, chopping the deficit to only 4 at halftime with a 13-2 run. From there, the sport changed into a back-and-forth affair. Jamal Murray tied it up at 81-81 with a clutch three, whereas Russell Westbrook—taking part in prolonged minutes—sparked a late fourth-quarter push.
With below 30 seconds left, Westbrook nailed a nook three to offer Denver a two-point lead, however Harden responded with a troublesome layup to power time beyond regulation.
Within the further interval, Aaron Gordon opened scoring with a dunk, and the Nuggets by no means appeared again. Christian Braun’s three-pointer put Denver up 108-104, and Jokić sealed the win from the road after Westbrook pressured a key turnover on Harden within the closing seconds.
Jokić, Westbrook, and Murray every made large performs down the stretch as Denver escaped with the Recreation 1 win and a 1-0 sequence lead.
Pacers 117, Bucks 98: Indiana’s Depth Overwhelms Quick-Handed Milwaukee
In a rematch of final yr’s first-round sequence, the Indiana Pacers as soon as once more asserted dominance over the Milwaukee Bucks, cruising to a 117-98 win.
The Bucks have been with out Damian Lillard, and the absence was obvious. Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to hold the load, ending with 36 factors and 12 rebounds, however had little assist. No different Bucks participant reached 15 factors, and Kyle Kuzma turned in a forgettable evening, failing to report a single level, rebound, or help in 21 minutes.
In the meantime, Indiana’s balanced assault proved an excessive amount of. Pascal Siakam led with 25 factors, together with 3-of-5 from past the arc. Regardless of a quiet taking pictures evening from Tyrese Haliburton (10 factors on 3-of-13 taking pictures), the Pacers obtained main contributions off the bench—Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell every hit double figures, whereas Andrew Nembhard chipped in 17.
Indiana’s depth, a key issue of their deep run final season, seems to be a decisive benefit as soon as once more as they take a 1-0 lead within the sequence.
Saturday Night time Video games Nonetheless Forward
Two extra Recreation 1 matchups have been scheduled for later Saturday:
