The Nuggets chipped and chipped away at a 15-point deficit all afternoon until Game 1 suddenly came down to a single possession, and then five more minutes, because somehow this season, it always finds a way to.

The Clippers lead by as much as 15 points in the first half, but the host Nuggets make enough shots late in regulation to extend the game and prevail, 112-110. Game 2 is Monday night in Denver.

For one half and an overtime, Murray was exactly the player the Nuggets needed him to be to pull off a Game 1 win.