The NBA playoffs are heating up, and the Denver Nuggets kicked off their second-round series with a thrilling 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 5, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Nikola Jokic was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in a commanding performance that helped the Nuggets secure the win.
Jokic, who played for 42 minutes, showcased his all-around skills by shooting 15-of-29 from the field, including 2-of-6 from three-point range and 10-of-13 from the free-throw line. His impressive stat line further solidified his status as one of the league's elite players. "He’s the heart of the team," said head coach David Adelman, highlighting Jokic's integral role in the victory.
Aaron Gordon also made significant contributions, finishing the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds in just over 39 minutes of play. Gordon was efficient, shooting 46.7% from the field and going a perfect 5-for-5 at the charity stripe. His ability to dominate the boards, especially on the offensive end where he secured seven rebounds, was crucial in maintaining the Nuggets' momentum.
Christian Braun provided solid support as well, quietly putting up 11 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. Jamal Murray, despite struggling with his shot, managed to score 21 points and dished out 6 assists, helping to balance the offensive load.
On the other side, the Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a strong performance of his own, scoring 33 points, along with 10 rebounds and 8 assists in 39 minutes. He shot 46.2% from the field, demonstrating why he is considered one of the rising stars in the league.
Alex Caruso contributed significantly as well, adding 20 points to the Thunder's effort. However, not all players found their rhythm; Jalen Williams had a rough night, shooting just 5-for-20 from the field, finishing with 16 points but managing to contribute with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein both added 12 points each for the Thunder, with Holmgren also recording 6 rebounds and 4 blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess. Luguentz Dort chipped in with 14 points, but the Thunder's bench struggled to make a significant impact, with Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams making the most of their limited minutes.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Nuggets, who had just come off a grueling seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, displayed their resilience and determination. Coach Adelman had emphasized the need for consistent play from his top guys, and they responded under pressure.
However, the Nuggets' success may hinge on the performance of Michael Porter Jr., who has been dealing with a shoulder injury. In the first round, he showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent. "We can’t afford up-and-down play from MPJ against the Thunder," Adelman noted, emphasizing the importance of Porter Jr.'s contributions moving forward.
Porter Jr. had a good Game 7 against the Clippers, but his injury—sustained at the end of Game 2—has raised concerns about his effectiveness. He reported that he was playing at about 20-30% capacity, which could be a target for the Thunder defense. As the series progresses, the Thunder are likely to attack Porter Jr. relentlessly, testing his limits and forcing him to defend.
With the series now underway, the Nuggets will need to rely on their depth and the stellar play of Jokic and Gordon, while hoping for a strong showing from Porter Jr. and the rest of the team. As the playoffs continue, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and standout performances from some of the league's best players.
The Nuggets' victory marks a crucial start to their second-round series, but the road ahead remains challenging. They will need to maintain their intensity and focus as they face a formidable Thunder team that is eager to reclaim home-court advantage in the upcoming games. The stakes are high, and every possession counts in the quest for the championship.
