Denver Nuggets fans can exhale— Nikola Jokic is good to go. The reigning MVP’s name was notably absent from the injury report ahead of Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers, confirming his availability as the team looks to extend its playoff momentum.
Nikola Jokic, who played through minor concerns late in the regular season, remains the undisputed engine of the Denver Nuggets’ title defense. His presence is even more critical with Jamal Murray also cleared after battling a hamstring issue. The duo’s health is a major relief for Denver, especially after a turbulent season that saw front-office changes and an interim coach taking charge.
Despite the positive news, questions linger about the supporting cast. Michael Porter Jr.’s quiet Game 1 performance (just 3 points on 4 attempts) drew sharp criticism, including from Jokic himself.
Nikola Jokic also made headlines for praising an unlikely figure: Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. “I think he has the most confidence of anyone in this,” Jokic told ESPN, highlighting Westbrook’s impact in Game 1. The comment added fuel to ongoing debates about Denver’s lineup decisions and whether the Nuggets can match the Clippers’ depth.
With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray healthy, the Nuggets have their foundation intact. But as the series shifts to Game 2, the spotlight turns to Porter and the role players—because in the playoffs, even MVPs need help.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers game 1 overview
In Game 1 of their playoff series, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime. In addition to Aaron Gordon's 25 points and Jamal Murray's 21, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, just missing a triple-double. The Clippers, who had a scorching 18-3 record going into the playoffs, wasted a 15-point lead in the first half because of 20 turnovers, including crucial late-game errors by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard (7 turnovers). Leonard contributed 22 points, while Harden scored 32 points, but the Clippers' fate was sealed by his late turnover against Russell Westbrook.
Also read: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers final injury report (April 21, 2025): Is Jamal Murray playing tonight?
Denver's defensive adjustments were essential, especially the way they forced contested shots and put pressure on Harden-Zubac's pick-and-rolls. The Denver Nuggets were rejuvenated in overtime by Westbrook's clutch contributions, which included two crucial three-pointers and unrelenting offensive rebounding. The Clippers' chances of winning the series increased after Game 1 despite the defeat, indicating their confidence in their capacity to adapt. For Game 2, Tyronn Lue stressed cutting down on turnovers and improving execution.
Nikola Jokic, who played through minor concerns late in the regular season, remains the undisputed engine of the Denver Nuggets’ title defense. His presence is even more critical with Jamal Murray also cleared after battling a hamstring issue. The duo’s health is a major relief for Denver, especially after a turbulent season that saw front-office changes and an interim coach taking charge.
Despite the positive news, questions linger about the supporting cast. Michael Porter Jr.’s quiet Game 1 performance (just 3 points on 4 attempts) drew sharp criticism, including from Jokic himself.
Injury Report ahead of Game Two against the Clippers:
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 20, 2025
PROBABLE:
Aaron Gordon (Right Calf Injury Management)
OUT:
DaRon Holmes II (Right Achilles Tendon Repair)#MileHighPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/LElPN5vVSP
Nikola Jokic also made headlines for praising an unlikely figure: Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. “I think he has the most confidence of anyone in this,” Jokic told ESPN, highlighting Westbrook’s impact in Game 1. The comment added fuel to ongoing debates about Denver’s lineup decisions and whether the Nuggets can match the Clippers’ depth.
With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray healthy, the Nuggets have their foundation intact. But as the series shifts to Game 2, the spotlight turns to Porter and the role players—because in the playoffs, even MVPs need help.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers game 1 overview
In Game 1 of their playoff series, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime. In addition to Aaron Gordon's 25 points and Jamal Murray's 21, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, just missing a triple-double. The Clippers, who had a scorching 18-3 record going into the playoffs, wasted a 15-point lead in the first half because of 20 turnovers, including crucial late-game errors by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard (7 turnovers). Leonard contributed 22 points, while Harden scored 32 points, but the Clippers' fate was sealed by his late turnover against Russell Westbrook.
Also read: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers final injury report (April 21, 2025): Is Jamal Murray playing tonight?
Denver's defensive adjustments were essential, especially the way they forced contested shots and put pressure on Harden-Zubac's pick-and-rolls. The Denver Nuggets were rejuvenated in overtime by Westbrook's clutch contributions, which included two crucial three-pointers and unrelenting offensive rebounding. The Clippers' chances of winning the series increased after Game 1 despite the defeat, indicating their confidence in their capacity to adapt. For Game 2, Tyronn Lue stressed cutting down on turnovers and improving execution.
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