The sizzling Los Angeles Clippers rolled into the playoffs as the NBA’s hottest team having won 18 of 21, including their last eight.

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.

The Denver Nuggets have clinched the fourth seed in the Western Conference, which has given them the home-court advantage against the Los Angeles Clippers The