In a thrilling opener of the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 5, 2025. This victory not only marks a significant step for the Nuggets but also hands the top-seeded Thunder their first loss of the postseason.
The game was a nail-biter, with the Nuggets trailing for much of the match. However, they found themselves within striking distance late in the fourth quarter. After a pair of free throws from Aaron Gordon with just 11 seconds left, the Nuggets were down by only one point. The Thunder had a chance to extend their lead when Chet Holmgren was fouled on the ensuing inbounds pass, but he missed both free throws, giving Denver a glimmer of hope.
What followed was a moment of sheer brilliance from Gordon. After securing the rebound from Holmgren's missed free throw, he received a pass from Russell Westbrook and, with just 2.8 seconds remaining, drilled a three-pointer to give the Nuggets a two-point lead. The Thunder's Jalen Williams attempted a desperate three-quarter-court shot that fell short, sealing the game for Denver.
Gordon finished the night with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his pivotal role in the Nuggets' comeback. "I worked on my jumper a lot throughout the years," Gordon said after the game. "It's nice to have it all culminate in a game-winner. We didn’t want to miss the moment. We didn’t want to miss the opportunity. I’m glad we showed our grit, but we are not satisfied."
Nikola Jokić, another standout for the Nuggets, continued to demonstrate why he is a finalist for the Most Valuable Player trophy. He scored an astonishing 42 points on 15-for-29 shooting, along with 22 rebounds and six assists. Jokić's performance was historic; he became only the fifth player in NBA history to score 40 points, grab 20 rebounds, and dish out five assists in a playoff game, joining legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal.
In a matchup that featured two MVP candidates, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder also shined, scoring 33 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. His efforts kept the Thunder competitive, especially as he scored 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial dunk that briefly gave Oklahoma City a three-point lead.
The first half of the game saw the Thunder take a comfortable lead, entering halftime at 60-50. The Nuggets struggled to find their rhythm initially, committing nine turnovers in the first half, which the Thunder converted into 15 points. However, Denver's defense tightened after the break, allowing them to claw back into the game.
In the third quarter, the Nuggets made significant adjustments, capitalizing on offensive rebounds to score 12 second-chance points. They ended the quarter on a 17-8 run, closing the gap to just five points heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Despite being at a rest disadvantage after a grueling first-round series against the Clippers, the Nuggets showed resilience. They ended the game on a 19-6 run, showcasing their championship mentality.
Westbrook, who has been a crucial addition to the Nuggets, contributed 18 points off the bench, adding energy and experience to the squad. His playmaking ability was highlighted in the final moments as he assisted Gordon’s game-winning shot. "It's the playoffs, you only get a certain amount of chances," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "This is our opportunity tonight, live in the present ... we never let go of the rope."
For the Thunder, the loss raises questions about their ability to maintain their dominance in the postseason. Despite their impressive regular season, their lack of playoff experience could be a hurdle. The Thunder's Alex Caruso had a standout performance with 20 points, but it was not enough to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Game 2 of the Nuggets-Thunder series is set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Nuggets will aim to build on their momentum, while the Thunder will seek to bounce back and even the series. As the playoffs continue, both teams will be looking to solidify their paths toward a championship.
