The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a heartbreaking loss in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, falling 121-119 in a thrilling contest that showcased the intensity of playoff basketball.
In front of a packed Paycom Center crowd, the Thunder, who had swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, were unable to capitalize on a late lead, allowing the Nuggets to stage a dramatic comeback. The game featured a nail-biting finish, highlighted by a clutch three-pointer from Aaron Gordon with just 2.8 seconds left on the clock.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, proved his worth once again, delivering an outstanding performance with 42 points and 22 rebounds. His efforts not only helped the Nuggets secure home-court advantage but also added to his already impressive playoff resume. Despite the loss, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show of his own, scoring 33 points while contributing 10 rebounds and 8 assists, further solidifying his status as a key player in this postseason.
As the game began, the Thunder seemed to struggle with early rust, missing five of their first six shots. However, Gilgeous-Alexander quickly found his rhythm, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and helping the Thunder to a slim 27-26 lead. The Thunder's Alex Caruso also made significant contributions, finishing the game with 20 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to score when it mattered.
Despite their offensive efforts, the Thunder's shooting struggles from beyond the arc were evident, as they missed their first 10 three-point attempts before finally connecting. The team finished shooting just 34.9% from three-point range, a stark contrast to their previous series where they shot 31.3% against Memphis.
On the other hand, the Nuggets displayed resilience despite fatigue from their previous seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. They managed to secure an impressive 21 offensive rebounds, a testament to their tenacity on the glass. This effort was crucial in overcoming their sluggish start to the game.
With the game on the line, the Thunder found themselves in a precarious position. Chet Holmgren had a chance to extend their lead but missed two critical free throws with less than 10 seconds remaining. This opened the door for the Nuggets, who capitalized on the opportunity. After securing the rebound, Gordon's three-pointer sealed the victory for Denver, leaving the Thunder to reflect on what could have been.
As the series continues, the Thunder must regroup and learn from this experience. They had been dominant in their previous series, but the late collapse against the Nuggets serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in playoff basketball. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the importance of bouncing back, stating, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger. This is playoff basketball, and every possession counts."
Looking ahead, the Thunder have a chance to tie the series when they host the Nuggets for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. CT. The outcome of this series could have significant implications for the ongoing MVP race, as both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander are strong contenders. If the Nuggets win and Jokic continues to shine, it could bolster his MVP candidacy. Conversely, a strong showing from Gilgeous-Alexander could shift the momentum in his favor.
As the playoffs progress, the matchup between the Thunder and Nuggets promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for a place in the next round. The Thunder will need to address their late-game execution and find ways to improve their shooting efficiency to advance further in the postseason. Will they rise to the occasion and even the series, or will the Nuggets continue their momentum? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement of playoff basketball is in full swing.
