The Denver Nuggets rallied after a devastating loss in Game 2 to claim a 113-104 overtime victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nuggets Overcome Game 2 Blowout with Overtime Win
After being blown out by a historic 149-106 margin in Game 2, the Nuggets found their rhythm and bounced back in dramatic fashion. Down 56-51 at halftime, Denver surged in the second half, capped by Aaron Gordon’s clutch 3-pointer with 26.7 seconds left to tie the game at 102.
Both MVP finalists, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, had opportunities to win the game in regulation, but missed key shots—Gilgeous-Alexander’s floater and Jokić’s turnaround jumper—as time expired.
Overtime Dominance and Key Nuggets Plays
In overtime, Jokić opened the scoring with a layup, sparking a 7-0 Nuggets run that energized Ball Arena. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with a crucial 3-pointer, and Jamal Murray added a fast-break layup, extending Denver’s lead to 109-102, sealing the victory.
Despite a strong performance in Game 2, the Thunder faltered in overtime, with Gilgeous-Alexander struggling, scoring just three points in the fourth quarter and OT. Meanwhile, the Nuggets capitalized on the Thunder’s late-game missteps to seize control.
Michael Porter Jr. Shines in Game 3
Porter, playing through a shoulder injury, showcased his shooting ability with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and an impressive 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. His performance was critical after a quiet start to the playoffs, where he struggled in Games 1 and 2. Porter’s pivotal 3-pointer in overtime exemplified his clutch performance when Denver needed it most.
Jokić Battles Through Tough Defenders
Though Jokić had a subpar shooting night, finishing with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, he struggled from the field, making just 8 of 25 shots and failing to hit a 3-pointer (0-10). However, Denver’s balanced scoring effort, led by Porter’s hot shooting, helped overcome Jokić’s difficulties.
Gordon’s Clutch Plays Becoming a Trend
Aaron Gordon continued to thrive in the postseason, contributing another clutch shot—his 3-pointer in the final moments of regulation that forced overtime. Gordon’s ability to rise to the occasion in big moments has become a defining feature of these playoffs.
Thunder Struggles in Crunch Time
Despite Oklahoma City’s dominant performance in Game 2, the Thunder couldn’t close out Game 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a key figure in their success, had a difficult night, shooting 7-of-22 and finishing with 18 points. Jalen Williams, with 32 points, was the standout player for Oklahoma City, but the Thunder couldn’t capitalize on several opportunities to seal the win.
Nuggets Take Control of the Series
With their victory in Game 3, the Nuggets now lead the series 2-1, holding onto their home-court advantage. Denver’s championship pedigree, combined with timely plays from key players like Porter and Gordon, has positioned them well in this tightly contested series.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Denver, where the Nuggets will look to extend their series lead and move one step closer to the Western Conference Finals.
