In a thrilling opener of the NBA Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets staged a remarkable comeback against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, clinching a 121-119 victory on Monday night at the Paycom Center. The game was not just a showcase of skill but also a testament to the Nuggets' resilience, as they overcame a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon emerged as the hero of the night, sinking a stunning 3-pointer with just 2.8 seconds remaining on the clock, sealing the win for Denver. His shot capped off a spectacular performance by Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic, who tallied an impressive 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, demonstrating why he is a finalist for another MVP award.
Despite trailing for much of the game, the Nuggets closed out the contest on a 19-6 run, showcasing their determination and grit. The Thunder, who had maintained a double-digit lead for significant stretches, found themselves faltering in the final moments. Jokic’s contributions were pivotal, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 18 points alone, igniting the Nuggets' surge.
“We just didn’t want to miss the moment, didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” Gordon reflected after the game. “We knew that if we waited, it may be too late. I’m glad we showed our mettle, our grit, but we’re not satisfied.” This victory marked Gordon's second game-winner of the playoffs, following his dramatic dunk that secured a win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
Denver's interim head coach David Adelman praised Gordon’s all-around performance, stating, “Aaron’s going to be a hero again. But I’m also looking at 14 rebounds, 22 points, and leadership. He is a Denver Nugget, man. Like, he is the soul of our team.” Gordon’s ability to step up in crucial moments has become a hallmark of his playoff performances.
On the opposing side, the Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 33 points, alongside Alex Caruso, who added 20 points, six assists, and five steals. However, the Thunder’s late-game execution faltered, particularly when Chet Holmgren missed two critical free throws with Oklahoma City holding a narrow lead.
Jokic’s historic performance placed him in elite company, as he became just the fourth player in NBA playoff history to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in a single game. His ability to dominate both ends of the court was evident, even as he battled foul trouble throughout the game.
The Nuggets managed to claw back into the game despite Jokic picking up three fouls in a quick succession during the third quarter. His fifth foul was a flagrant 1 after an elbow to Oklahoma City's Lu Dort, but he managed to stay in the game, ensuring Denver had their star on the floor for the critical moments.
As the game progressed, the Thunder, who had not played in over a week after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies, struggled to maintain their momentum. Coach Mark Daigneault noted, “It didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s worked out well for us in the past. We’ll continue to look at it and learn from it, but I don’t think that’s why we lost the game.”
With the Thunder leading 113-102 with just 4:31 left in the game, the Nuggets capitalized on Oklahoma City's mistakes, including intentional fouls that allowed Denver to make crucial free throws in the closing seconds. Jamal Murray also contributed significantly with 21 points, further solidifying Denver's offensive efforts.
The atmosphere in the Paycom Center reached a fever pitch, with the NBA recording sound levels exceeding 100 decibels. The crowd was electric, but it was the Nuggets who left the arena with the win, proving their championship mettle.
Looking ahead, Game 2 of the series is set for 8:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the same venue. The Nuggets will aim to build on this momentum, while the Thunder will look to regroup and reclaim their dominance after this unexpected defeat.
This series is shaping up to be a classic battle, with the stakes at an all-time high. Will the Nuggets continue their winning ways, or can the Thunder bounce back and even the score? Fans will be eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling matchup.
