The Denver Nuggets made a bold statement in their playoff opener against the Los Angeles Clippers with a commanding 120-101 victory. The game was initially competitive, but Denver's second-quarter surge led to a decisive halftime lead, and they never looked back. Russell Westbrook, now wearing a Nuggets jersey, delivered an impressive performance, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. He netted 16 points along with five assists, five rebounds, and five steals. Despite a mediocre outing from Clippers’ star Kawhi Leonard and an underwhelming performance from James Harden, Denver's fast-paced style overwhelmed Los Angeles.

As the Nuggets advance to the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they will need to maintain this momentum. Their ability to outscore the Clippers in fast-break points is a testament to their swift and aggressive play style. The Nuggets, who were crowned champions just two years ago, are looking to prove they are still a formidable contender in this year's playoffs.