In a thrilling start to the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning Game 1 by a narrow margin of 121-119 on Monday night. The Nuggets, who had just come off a grueling Game 7 victory over the LA Clippers, showcased their resilience as they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Aaron Gordon emerged as the hero for the Nuggets, hitting a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds to finish the game with 22 points. His shot capped off a remarkable 19-6 run that propelled Denver past the Thunder in the final moments of the game. "I never felt like anybody wavered," said Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman. "That doesn't mean you're going to win the game. ... In the NBA, playoffs, these games are so long. You've got to give yourself a chance."
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points, had held a commanding lead for much of the game, but their inability to execute in the closing moments proved costly. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault defended his decision to foul late in the game, a strategy he typically employs when leading by three points. "That's usually our deal is to foul up three and to play that game," Daigneault explained. "I thought we executed the fouls pretty well. It didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s worked out well for us in the past."
However, the Thunder's execution faltered at critical junctures. With 9.5 seconds left and Oklahoma City holding a one-point lead, Russell Westbrook fouled Chet Holmgren, who subsequently missed both free throws. This opened the door for the Nuggets, who quickly capitalized on the opportunity. Christian Braun grabbed the rebound from Holmgren's missed free throw and assisted Westbrook, who then found Gordon for the decisive three-pointer.
Despite the loss, Daigneault took responsibility for the Thunder's late-game strategy. "The backcourt fouls hurt us," he admitted. "We can learn from fouling up three, that's on me. ... It’s probably too early [to foul] on my part. But that’s not on the players. They’re executing what I’m telling them to do." The Thunder's failure to hit their free throws late in the game compounded their issues, as Holmgren's missed shots ultimately allowed the Nuggets to secure the win.
The Nuggets had trailed for much of the contest, struggling to find their rhythm against a well-rested Thunder team that hadn't played in over a week. Oklahoma City had swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and looked poised to continue their momentum. However, the Nuggets' experience shone through in the final minutes, as they executed their game plan to perfection.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, added to the Nuggets' efforts with a staggering performance, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds, tying his career playoff high. Jokic's ability to dominate in the fourth quarter was crucial, as he scored 18 of his points during that period, including multiple clutch free throws and two three-pointers. "He had some unbelievable finishes around the basket," Adelman praised, highlighting Jokic's impact on the game.
Westbrook, a former star for the Thunder, played a key role in the Nuggets' comeback, contributing 10 points in the third quarter alone. His experience and leadership were vital as the Nuggets clawed back from a significant deficit. "No one just walks their way through a series at this point in the season," Daigneault remarked, emphasizing the competitive nature of playoff basketball.
The Thunder struggled with their shooting, missing their first ten three-point attempts before Alex Caruso finally connected early in the second quarter. Caruso finished the game with 20 points, providing a spark for the Thunder, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory. "I didn’t think our execution was as clean as it can be," Daigneault said, acknowledging the areas where his team could improve.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Thunder remain optimistic heading into Game 2, set for Wednesday night. With both teams showcasing their strengths, the series promises to be an intense battle. "If the series is as entertaining as the first game was, that mistake could make all the difference," Daigneault noted, hinting at the potential for a competitive matchup ahead.
As the Nuggets celebrate their hard-fought victory, they will need to maintain their momentum against a Thunder team eager to bounce back. With both teams showcasing their talent and determination, the Western Conference semifinals are shaping up to be a must-watch series.
