In a dramatic Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Denver Nuggets 113-104 in overtime, marking a pivotal moment in their playoff journey. The game, held on May 9, 2025, saw the Nuggets take a 2-1 lead in the series, showcasing their championship pedigree as they dominated the extra period.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star player and an MVP contender, found himself under scrutiny after the game. Despite the disappointing loss, he walked off the court smiling, which drew criticism from some fans. "That collapse was unacceptable. Why would Shai smile after that embarrassing performance?" one fan questioned on social media. Another added: "I ain't gon lie, that smile SGA had was like he was tryna convince himself that he ain't worried lmao."
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance did not reflect his usual dominance; he scored only 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting, struggling particularly in the crucial moments of the game. He managed just two points in the fourth quarter and overtime, going 1-of-8 from the field during that stretch. "Dude scored 3 more points than I did sitting on my couch in the 4th and OT and is leaving smiling," remarked another frustrated fan.
Despite the backlash, Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a positive outlook post-game, stating, "I don't ever want to show them that I'm defeated or mad. Nothing's written, the series is definitely not over and we have a lot to be optimistic about.” His resolve reflects the Thunder's determination to bounce back in Game 4, set for May 11, 2025, where they will need to win to even the series.
In Game 3, the Thunder struggled offensively in overtime, managing just one basket while the Nuggets capitalized with an 11-2 run. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged his shortcomings, saying, "In those moments when the game slows down, it usually comes down to your best players making shots and making plays, and I didn't do a good enough job of that tonight." His performance, although disappointing, is not indicative of his overall playoff success, as he has averaged 29.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds throughout the postseason.
The matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has been a focal point of the series. Both players are considered frontrunners for the MVP award, and their performances have drawn significant attention. Jokić, who had a quieter game in this matchup, still contributed crucial plays that helped secure the Nuggets' victory.
Throughout the game, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased glimpses of his potential, particularly in the third quarter when he scored 15 points and improved his shooting percentage to 67%. However, the Thunder's inability to maintain that momentum into overtime proved costly. Gilgeous-Alexander's season averages against the Nuggets in his career are impressive, with 22.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, but he will need to elevate his game further to lead the Thunder past Denver.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the need for his team to learn from this experience, stating, "We are in the process of becoming a great team — one thing it takes to be a great team is you get taken to the limit in the playoffs. You’ve got to rise to the challenges that you're confronted with." His confidence in the team's ability to adapt and grow is evident as they prepare for the next game.
As the Thunder gear up for Game 4, they open as 5.5-point favorites on the road, indicating that despite the loss, oddsmakers still see potential in their chances to even the series. The Thunder will need to rally together and find ways to counter the Nuggets' offensive strategies while also getting back to their own high-scoring ways.
With the series now tightly contested, the stakes are higher than ever. The Thunder have shown their capability to bounce back after a loss, as evidenced by their 43-point victory over the Nuggets in Game 2. Fans will be eager to see if Gilgeous-Alexander can shake off the criticism and lead his team to victory in what could be a defining moment for the franchise.
The anticipation for Game 4 is palpable, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in this playoff series. Will the Thunder find their footing, or will the Nuggets continue to build on their momentum? One thing is for sure: the excitement of the playoffs is just heating up.
