In a game that saw two of the MVP favorites struggle, it was the supporting cast of the Denver Nuggets that ultimately made the difference, as they took a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 113-104 overtime victory.
Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić had off nights, with Gilgeous-Alexander shooting just 7-of-22 for 18 points and struggling late in the game, while Jokić was similarly inefficient, shooting 8-of-25 (0-of-10 from 3) for 20 points and turning the ball over eight times. Despite those struggles, Jokić grabbed 16 rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
However, Denver’s role players stepped up in a big way, especially Aaron Gordon, who scored 17 points and hit the clutch 3-pointer to force overtime. In the extra period, it was all Nuggets, as they started overtime on a 7-0 run and never looked back, securing the win with strong contributions across the board.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 27 points, while Michael Porter Jr. had a crucial 21 points, giving the Nuggets a well-rounded attack even when their MVP candidate wasn’t firing on all cylinders. The Nuggets’ execution in the clutch was key, with their ability to close out games and get stops, especially in overtime, where Oklahoma City managed just two points.
The Thunder’s issues were evident in their cold shooting. As a team, they shot only 38.5% from the field and struggled mightily from beyond the arc, going 9-of-35 (25.7%) from three. Chet Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander both shot poorly from deep, with each going 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. The one bright spot for Oklahoma City was Jalen Williams, who was outstanding, scoring 32 points on 11-of-21 shooting. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s offensive struggles.
The game ultimately came down to Denver’s championship pedigree and their ability to execute when it mattered most. The Nuggets tightened up defensively in the crucial moments and, despite Jokić’s shooting woes, showed why they are a championship-caliber team. For Oklahoma City, they need to find their shooting touch and improve execution in the crucial moments, or they risk falling into a deep hole in this series.
With the Nuggets now holding a 2-1 series lead, Game 4 on Sunday will be critical for the Thunder to avoid a potential 3-1 deficit.
