Clippers-Nuggets Game 1

Clipper Corey Maggette scores under the basket and under Denver Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin in the first half of Game 1 in the First Round of the Western Conference NBA Playoffs.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Clipper Elton Brand, left, swats away a shot by Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Clipper Cuttino Mobley has a little skip in his step as he celebrates hitting a shot in the first quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Elton Brand grabs a rebound in a scrum of bodies in the first half.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Elton Brand wants the foul called besides hitting a basket against the Denver Nuggets during first quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Clipper Zelijko Rebraca gets fouled by Denver Nuggets Kenyon Martin.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Billy Crystal, a fan of the Los Angeles Clippers, jokingly prays as he watches the first half.  (Mark J. Terrill / AP)

Chris Kaman hustles for a loose ball out of reach of Denver Nuggets Andre Miller.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Kenyon Martin gets a bit too close to Clipper Elton Brand while going for a steal late in the game.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)