Clippers, Nuggets, Timberwolves Secure Playoff Spots

The Los Angeles Clippers secured the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 124-119 overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors, who fell to No. 7 and will participate in the play-in tournament against No. 8 Memphis. James Harden led the Clippers with 39 points, helping them clinch their eighth consecutive win and finish the regular season with a 50-32 record. The Denver Nuggets, following the firing of their coach and general manager, claimed the No. 4 seed after defeating the Rockets 126-111. The Timberwolves secured the No. 6 seed with a victory over Utah, while Sacramento and Dallas will compete for the final playoff spot. In the Eastern Conference, the playoff bracket was settled without suspense, with Cleveland and Boston claiming the top two seeds. The playoffs will commence with several key matchups, including the Clippers facing the Nuggets in the first round.