The Denver Nuggets demonstrated resilience and skill as they bounced back from a significant 43-point loss to secure a thrilling 113-104 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. This win not only showcased their home-court advantage but also highlighted their playoff experience and ability to perform under pressure.
Leading the charge for the Nuggets was Jamal Murray, who scored an impressive 27 points, followed closely by Aaron Gordon with 22 points. Notably, Michael Porter Jr. made a remarkable return, contributing 21 points in what marked his best performance since suffering a left shoulder sprain in the playoffs. Despite facing adversity, the Nuggets managed to pull together, particularly in the crucial moments of the game.
Similar to Game 1, where they clinched a win thanks to Gordon's last-second 3-pointer, the Nuggets found themselves trailing for much of the game. They only held a two-point lead during regulation before unleashing an 11-2 run in overtime, while the Thunder struggled, converting just one of their nine possessions. David Adelman, the interim coach of the Nuggets, emphasized the importance of experience in clutch situations, stating, “I do believe late in games you can rely on what you've seen and felt and done.”
This victory allowed the Nuggets to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals, despite an off-night for their star player, Nikola Jokic. Jokic, who had eight turnovers and missed 17 of his 25 shot attempts, still managed to finish with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Adelman humorously remarked about Jokic's performance, “I mean, 20, 16, and six, what an awful NBA night.”
Looking ahead to Game 4, which is set for Sunday at Ball Arena, Adelman expressed confidence in Jokic's ability to bounce back, saying, “I hope he shoots it all the time.” This sentiment reflects the trust the Nuggets have in their star player, known for his efficiency and playmaking abilities.
Despite the loss, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the positives from the game, noting the team's effort and growth throughout the series. “It’s obviously lousy to lose,” Daigneault said, “but you can take a lot away, and we want to be a team that’s improving through the series.” His comments underline the Thunder's focus on development, even amidst playoff challenges.
On the Thunder's side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another candidate for the NBA MVP award, faced difficulties, missing 15 of 22 shots and finishing with just 18 points. In contrast, Jalen Williams stood out with a stellar performance, scoring 32 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points to the mix. The game was tightly contested, tied at 102 at the end of regulation, with both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missing potential game-winners in the final seconds.
“Losses always sting, especially in the playoffs,” Daigneault concluded. “But what I would say is we are in the process of becoming a great team, and we’ve checked a lot of boxes in that process.” The Thunder’s journey reflects their determination to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges posed by playoff competition.
As the series continues, both teams will be looking to make adjustments and capitalize on their strengths as they vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
