DENVER — In a thrilling playoff showdown, the Denver Nuggets edged out the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. Jamal Murray led the charge with 27 points, while Michael Porter Jr. made a significant comeback, contributing 21 crucial points.
The Nuggets were propelled by a strong performance from Nikola Jokic, who added 20 points and 16 rebounds despite shooting struggles, going 8 for 25 from the field and missing all 10 of his three-point attempts. Aaron Gordon also played a pivotal role, scoring 22 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with just 27 seconds left in regulation.
As the game entered overtime tied at 102, the Nuggets unleashed a decisive 11-2 run, showcasing their resilience and experience. Jokic ignited the overtime period with a finger-roll layup, and from that moment on, Denver never looked back.
On the other side of the court, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another MVP contender, had a challenging night, scoring 18 points but missing 15 of his 22 shots and going just 1 for 6 from beyond the arc. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with an impressive 32 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and seven rebounds.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Nuggets and Thunder exchanging leads. Denver struggled early, trailing 56-51 at halftime, largely due to Holmgren’s strong performance. However, Porter Jr., who had been limited to just 10 points on 3-of-18 shooting in the first two games of the series, found his rhythm, making his first five shots of the night, including three from long range.
It was a game filled with tension and excitement, as both teams fought for every point. The Nuggets were determined to bounce back after suffering a 43-point blowout in Game 2. They knew that staying close until the end was crucial, and they executed their game plan perfectly.
The final moments of regulation were particularly dramatic, as both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander had opportunities to secure the win. With just three seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a 12-foot jumper, and Jokic followed suit, missing a 19-footer at the buzzer.
As the Nuggets prepare for Game 4, which tips off on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Ball Arena, they will look to build on this momentum. The matchup promises to be another intense battle as both teams vie for a critical advantage in the series.
In a light-hearted moment before the game, Jokic made headlines not just for his play but also for his unique pre-game outfit, arriving dressed as the Joker from DC Comics, a nod to his playful personality and love for the game.
As the series continues, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling playoff battle. The Nuggets have shown their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, and with key players stepping up, they are poised to make a strong push for the Western Conference finals.
With the series now at 2-1, the stakes have never been higher for both teams. The Thunder will need to regroup and find a way to contain the Nuggets' offensive firepower, while Denver will aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage and carry this momentum forward.
Stay tuned for what promises to be another exciting game as the Nuggets and Thunder clash once more in this gripping playoff series.
