The Denver Nuggets pulled off a thrilling 113-104 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Ball Arena, taking a 2-1 series lead in their Western Conference semifinal matchup. Despite a lackluster performance from superstar Nikola Jokic, who shot just 6-for-23 and missed all 10 of his three-point attempts, the Nuggets showcased their resilience and depth to secure the win.
Jokic, who arrived at the game wearing a flamboyant purple suit with a green vest, humorously labeled himself as the "worst player on the court today" after the game. His struggles continued as he accumulated a staggering 21 turnovers against just 18 assists throughout the series. In Game 2, he fouled out before the end of the third quarter, contributing to a disappointing 43-point loss. However, in Game 3, the Nuggets managed to triumph in spite of Jokic's off night, a testament to their collective effort.
Interim coach David Adelman defended Jokic's performance, sarcastically quipping about his stats, saying, "20, 16 and six. Just an awful NBA night." He emphasized that Jokic's shooting woes were an anomaly for a player who typically shoots 45% from beyond the arc. "If we would’ve lost this game, I would’ve walked in here, and you would’ve said, ‘Why is he shooting so many 3s?’ I’d have said, ‘He shoots 45% from three.’ So he’s gonna shoot 3s. The paint is packed," Adelman explained.
While Jokic struggled, the Nuggets found support from their other players. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon stepped up, delivering crucial shots at vital moments. Murray contributed significantly in overtime, helping the Nuggets outscore the Thunder 11-2 during that period. Porter Jr. was particularly impressive, scoring 21 points and hitting 5 of 6 from three-point range, while Gordon provided much-needed energy and defense.
In a postgame interview, Zeke Nnaji highlighted the motivation the team draws from Jokic's determination, stating, "We see him fighting through all the no-calls, through all the shots that go in and out, how frustrating that all can be, but he’s still fighting, giving his all. So that motivates us to play even harder and fight for him just as much." This sentiment reflects the Nuggets' commitment to supporting their star player, especially during tough playoff moments.
On the other side, the Thunder faced disappointment following their loss. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting, acknowledged his struggles, particularly in the fourth quarter where he went 1 for 8 and didn’t attempt a shot in overtime. "I know how the game goes. I know how life is. It's easy to taunt when you're up, and I don't ever want to show them that I'm defeated or mad or anything like that. Nothing's written. The series is not over," Gilgeous-Alexander stated, reflecting a positive mindset despite the setback.
Jalen Williams emerged as a standout for the Thunder, scoring 32 points, with 26 of those coming before Gilgeous-Alexander re-entered the game in the fourth quarter. Williams' performance was crucial, as he was able to keep the Thunder competitive, especially in the early stages of the fourth quarter. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noted the need to analyze the offensive process, hinting at possible adjustments for the upcoming games.
The Thunder's offensive struggles were evident, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime, where they were outscored by the Nuggets. Their inability to convert on late-game opportunities proved costly, leading to a disappointing result. Despite their offensive prowess during the regular season, the Thunder managed only 7 of 24 shooting on passes from Gilgeous-Alexander during the game.
As the series continues, the teams are set to clash again in Game 4 on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Ball Arena. With the Thunder down 2-1 in the series, they will need to regroup and find a way to capitalize on their strengths to even the score.
In a high-stakes playoff atmosphere, both teams are feeling the pressure. The Nuggets will look to capitalize on their momentum and the contributions from their supporting cast, while the Thunder aim to bounce back and leverage their star players to reclaim control of the series. The excitement surrounding this matchup continues to build as both teams prepare for what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
