Aaron Gordon once again proved his mettle in a crucial moment for the Denver Nuggets. With less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Gordon knocked down a pivotal 3-pointer that tied the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sending the intense Game 3 into overtime. The Nuggets then pulled ahead to secure a 113-104 victory, giving them a 2-1 lead in the conference semifinals after a disappointing loss earlier in the week. This victory exemplified the resilience and determination of the Nuggets as they fought back in a close and physical matchup.
The Nuggets displayed championship grit throughout the game, especially in the overtime period where they began with a commanding 7-0 run that Oklahoma City could not recover from. Jamal Murray led the charge for Denver with an impressive performance, scoring 27 points, along with eight assists and four rebounds. Although Nikola Jokić was limited to just 20 points and struggled with eight turnovers, the Nuggets’ ability to execute in crunch time has been their defining feature in this series.
On the other side, the Thunder’s defense did manage to contain Jokić but struggled to find their rhythm offensively in the crucial moments. This inconsistency has been a theme in both tightly contested games of the series, which has ultimately favored the Nuggets. With this victory, Denver is now just two wins away from a significant upset in the second round of the playoffs.
In a parallel matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers also made headlines by securing their first win against the Indiana Pacers, dominating the game with a score of 126-104. This victory was marked by a stunning 43-point performance from Donovan Mitchell, who rallied the Cavaliers and cut Indiana’s series lead to 2-1.
The Cavaliers were bolstered by the return of three key players, including starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Although Garland faced foul trouble early on, he managed to contribute 10 points, while Mobley showcased his defensive prowess with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and multiple assists and steals. Their collective presence revitalized a team that was beginning to show cracks after losing the first two games of the series.
Despite the Cavaliers’ strong performance, the Pacers had their moments, briefly taking the lead in the second quarter. However, star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who had previously hit a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 2, struggled significantly, finishing with just four points on the night. His performance was hampered by a wrist injury sustained in the previous game, which may have affected his shooting ability.
Lu Dort has been tasked with the challenging role of defending Jamal Murray, but his offensive performance has left much to be desired. In the latest game, Dort managed only three points, missing all four of his 3-point attempts. His shooting woes are particularly concerning given his previous success in the regular season, where he recorded a much-improved 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Dort’s defensive efforts against Murray were commendable, but the Thunder’s overall offensive efficiency has been negatively impacted by his struggles. As a result, Dort found himself on the bench during critical moments of the fourth quarter, which could be a significant factor moving forward in the series.
The Indiana Pacers have repeatedly mentioned their need to improve their rebounding, a weakness that was glaringly evident in their latest matchup against the Cavaliers. The Pacers struggled on the boards, finishing with only four offensive rebounds compared to Cleveland's 13. This lack of second-chance opportunities severely hampered their scoring efforts and contributed to their defeat.
The struggles of Tyrese Haliburton were particularly notable, as he finished with a playoff career-low four points. This marked a stark contrast from his previous performances, where he had been a significant contributor to the Pacers’ success. His inability to find his rhythm could be a pivotal factor for Indiana as they look to bounce back in the series.
With both the Nuggets and Cavaliers showcasing their championship potential, the playoffs are heating up. As the series progresses, teams will need to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths to secure their spots in the next round. The upcoming games promise to be thrilling as both the Nuggets and Cavaliers continue their pursuit of playoff glory.
