Nuggets Take the Lead in the Series After Defeating Thunder in an Epic Duel
The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, with a score of 113-104 after an exciting overtime. This result gives them a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals, following a highly contested game where stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic did not achieve their best performance.
The next matchup between the Thunder (West leaders) and the Nuggets (fourth) will take place this Sunday, also in Denver.
The series was anticipated as a stellar matchup between Shai, an MVP contender, and Jokic, winner of the award in three of the last four seasons. However, both players had a low-key night, letting the role players take center stage.
Jokic, known for his efficiency, had a tough night with 20 points (8 of 25 shooting, including 0 of 10 from three), 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and 8 turnovers. Shai also struggled, scoring 18 points (7 of 22 shooting, with 1 of 6 from three), 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite Jokic’s complicated night, his teammates Jamal Murray (27 points and 8 assists), Aaron Gordon (22 points, 8 rebounds and a crucial three-pointer) and Michael Porter Jr. (21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 of 6 in three-pointers) shone.
The Nuggets won the first game by 2 points, lost the second by a wide margin of 43 points, and finally won this encounter by 9 points in overtime.
On the Thunder’s side, Jalen Williams led with 32 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and 16 rebounds.
A Game Full of Emotion
The first half was a constant exchange of blows. Oklahoma led at halftime (51-56), but Shai was not at his best (5 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists). Jokic also failed to stand out (8 points and 9 rebounds).
Holmgren got off to a good start for the Thunder, with 11 points in the first quarter, reaching 16 points and 7 rebounds at halftime. Porter Jr., despite being physically limited, contributed 15 points, including 3 three-pointers in the first half.
The game’s dynamics didn’t change in the second half, with tight margins. Shai scored 10 points in the third quarter, while Jokic struggled to find his rhythm. The game was tied in the final minutes (97-97 with 2:30 left to play).
Williams put the Thunder up by 3 points with a three-pointer and free throws, but Gordon tied the game with a three-pointer in the final minute (102-102). Neither Shai nor Jokic could score in the final seconds, forcing overtime.
In overtime, the Nuggets’ experience prevailed over the youth of the Thunder, who failed to capitalize on their opportunities, especially with a difficult day for Jokic.
