Russell Westbrook, who played with the Clippers just last season, knocked down a critical 3-pointer to give the Nuggets a late lead. James Harden squared things up with a runner late, however, sending the game to overtime.

The Los Angeles Clippers begin their NBA playoff run with a first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Facing arguably the league's best player in Nuggets

The 35-year-old point guard, who could earn All-NBA honors for the eighth time, says every series is different and he never takes the chance to chase a title for granted.