Denver, Colorado — Aaron Gordon once again rose to the occasion, hitting a pivotal three-pointer in the final moments of regulation that tied the game, sending the Denver Nuggets into overtime against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets seized the opportunity, securing a 113-104 victory and taking a 2-1 lead in their conference semifinal series. This win came on the heels of a significant loss earlier in the week, showcasing Denver’s resilience in a tightly contested matchup.
In Indianapolis, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to cut the Indiana Pacers’ series lead to 2-1 with a commanding 126-104 victory, highlighted by a remarkable 43-point performance from Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers benefited from the return of three injured players, including starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, adding much-needed depth to their lineup.
Oklahoma City’s defense put forth a strong effort against Denver’s star Nikola Jokić, limiting him to just 20 points alongside eight turnovers. However, Jamal Murray stepped up for the Nuggets, contributing 27 points, along with eight assists and four rebounds. The Thunder struggled to execute offensively in critical moments, particularly during the closing minutes of both regulation and overtime, which proved pivotal for Denver’s triumph.
For the Cavaliers, Mitchell’s scoring prowess was vital, but the presence of Garland and Mobley also played a crucial role. Garland, despite facing foul trouble and finishing with 10 points, was instrumental in navigating the Pacers’ pressure. Mobley logged 18 points and dominated on the boards with 13 rebounds, all while displaying a high level of defensive skill.
As Indiana attempted to recover after a slow start, guard Tyrese Haliburton, fresh off a game-winning three-pointer in the previous matchup, struggled noticeably with just four points. His performance raised concerns as the Pacers grappled with the Cavaliers’ defense, which ultimately stymied their offensive flow.
The Nuggets showcased their championship mentality in overtime with a quick 7-0 run that left the Thunder unable to respond effectively. Their preference for the two-man game of Murray and Jokić during crunch time has been a consistent strategy, while Oklahoma City has faltered in close games. The differences in execution during high-pressure moments have given Denver the upper hand in this series.
On the opposite side, while Lu Dort was tasked with guarding Murray, his offensive output was severely lacking. Dort finished with only three points and missed all four attempts from three-point range, further compounding the Thunder’s struggles. Despite being regarded as a solid defender, his shooting woes place additional stress on an already challenged Oklahoma City offense.
As for the Cavaliers, they proved they could deliver a complete performance without any glaring deficiencies. Unlike previous games marred by individual misfires and injuries, Cleveland capitalized on its collective strength, particularly with Mobley’s impressive defensive capabilities.
Despite narrow margins, the rebounding struggles continued to plague the Pacers; they were significantly outmatched on the boards by the Cavaliers, a trend concerning as the series unfolds. Indiana’s troubles were compounded by their inability to convert three-point opportunities, further stalling their comeback efforts.
With the Cavaliers regrouping and Denver demonstrating its ability to close games, both teams aim to seize momentum as the series progresses, making for an exciting chapter in the playoffs. The stakes are now higher for the Thunder and Pacers, as their stars must deliver in crucial moments to avoid further setbacks and keep their postseason hopes alive.