In a night to forget for the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic struggled significantly during Game 2 of their second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Nuggets star big man finished the game with an uncharacteristic 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists before fouling out in the third quarter at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City.
Jokic's performance was marred by a controversial moment late in the third quarter when he executed a WWE-style takedown on Thunder forward Jaylin Williams. As both players jockeyed for position, Jokic leaped onto Williams' back, causing them to crash to the floor. The referee called an offensive foul on Jokic, which was upheld despite a challenge from Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. This foul was Jokic's fifth of the game, and he picked up his sixth and final foul less than 30 seconds later, leading to his early exit.
Adding to the Nuggets' woes, fellow MVP teammate Russell Westbrook also faced disciplinary action, receiving a technical foul in the first half after displaying frustration. The Nuggets' defeat in Game 2 was a stark contrast to their expectations after a strong start to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Thunder, who had previously given away a double-digit lead in Game 1, looked to capitalize on the Nuggets' struggles. Jaylin Williams, now in his third season with Oklahoma City, played a crucial role in the game. Selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arkansas, Williams outperformed expectations as he contributed significantly during his time on the floor.
Born on June 29, 2002, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Williams has emerged as a key player for the Thunder, especially in the absence of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. In Game 2, the Thunder outscored the Nuggets 10-2 in a three-minute span with Williams on the court, showcasing his impact. His lineup, which included stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, achieved a remarkable 40 defensive rating.
Williams, who is the first player of Vietnamese descent to play in the NBA, has been a consistent performer, averaging 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the 20 games following the All-Star break. He has also shot an impressive 54.2% from beyond the arc, making him a valuable asset in the Thunder's offensive strategy.
As the series progresses, the Thunder's management and coaching staff, led by Mark Daigneault, will likely look to fine-tune their rotations. Given Williams' recent performances, he may see increased minutes as the team looks to regain momentum in the series. His ability to stretch the floor and provide defensive support makes him an intriguing option in various lineups.
Despite the disappointment of Game 2, the Thunder remain confident in their ability to compete against the Nuggets. With their playoff aspirations still alive, the team is focused on making necessary adjustments to reclaim their home-court advantage as the series shifts back to Denver.
As the teams prepare for Game 3, all eyes will be on Jokic to see if he can bounce back from his uncharacteristic performance. Will he find a way to dominate the game once again, or will Williams and the Thunder continue to capitalize on the Nuggets' vulnerabilities? The series is far from over, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling playoff battle.
