In a thrilling showdown on May 6, 2025, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning comeback victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 121-119 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Nuggets, who had just 48 hours to recover from a grueling first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, found themselves trailing by as many as 14 points during the game. However, fueled by the extraordinary performances of Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon, Denver clawed back to steal the win on the road.
As the game neared its climax, the Nuggets were down by one point when Aaron Gordon sank a massive three-pointer with just 2.8 seconds left in the game, giving Denver a two-point lead. This dramatic moment capped off a remarkable performance by Gordon, who finished the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch situations. "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."
The Nuggets' win was made possible by the stellar play of their star center, Nikola Jokić, who dominated the court with a jaw-dropping stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists. His performance was historic, as he became just the fifth player in NBA history to score 40 points, grab 20 rebounds, and dish out five assists in a playoff game. Jokić's resilience shone through, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 18 of his total points, helping to chip away at the Thunder's lead.
On the other side, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also had a standout game, contributing 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. His efforts kept Oklahoma City in the game, particularly during the first half, where they managed to build a 60-50 lead by halftime. The Thunder relied heavily on their defense, with Alex Caruso stepping up with 20 points, six assists, and five steals, playing a crucial role in maintaining pressure on the Nuggets.
The first quarter saw both teams exchanging leads, with the Thunder eventually taking a narrow 27-26 advantage. The Nuggets started strong, with Jokić and Jamal Murray leading the charge, but as the game progressed, Oklahoma City's defense tightened, and they began to pull away. Chet Holmgren, the Thunder's promising center, showcased his skills with a highlight block and contributed to the team's early momentum.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Nuggets struggled with turnovers and fouls, allowing the Thunder to expand their lead to nine points. The Nuggets' offense went cold, and despite Jokić's efforts, they found themselves down by double digits. However, Gordon's explosive play—highlighted by a powerful dunk over Holmgren—helped to ignite a late surge, allowing Denver to close the gap before halftime.
After the break, the Thunder came out with renewed energy, quickly pushing their lead back up. However, the Nuggets adjusted their strategy, focusing on offensive rebounds and capitalizing on second-chance points, which allowed them to score 35 points in the third quarter. This effort brought them within five points by the end of the quarter, setting the stage for a tense final period.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the Thunder trying to maintain their lead. However, as the minutes ticked down, the Nuggets demonstrated their resilience. Jokić's ability to draw fouls and convert free throws proved pivotal, as did Gordon's late-game heroics. With the Thunder leading 104-95 and less than seven minutes remaining, Jokić was called for a flagrant foul after elbowing Lu Dort, which added to the tension of the matchup.
Despite the foul trouble, the Nuggets continued to fight back. They were down by four points with just over a minute remaining when Gordon was sent to the line after being fouled by Alex Caruso. He made both free throws, setting the stage for the thrilling finish where Gordon's three-pointer sealed the victory.
The Nuggets' win was particularly significant as it marked the first loss for the top-seeded Thunder in the 2025 postseason, and it also gave Denver home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series. Interim coach David Adelman praised his team’s tenacity, stating, "This is our opportunity tonight, live in the present ... we never let go of the rope."
With the series now underway, both teams are gearing up for Game 2, which will take place on May 7, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City. The Nuggets will look to build on their momentum, while the Thunder will aim to bounce back and level the series. As the playoffs progress, fans can expect more thrilling basketball from these two competitive teams.
