DENVER — The Denver Nuggets demonstrated resilience on Friday night, overcoming a significant defeat in their last game to grab a narrow overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 113-104 in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series. This win puts the Nuggets ahead 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, highlighting their ability to leverage home court advantage, experienced players, and strong closing moments.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with an impressive 27 points, while Aaron Gordon contributed 22 and Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, marking his best performance since suffering a shoulder injury earlier in the playoffs. The Nuggets faced a challenging matchup against the top-seeded Thunder, yet managed to maintain composure under pressure, relying on their prior playoff experiences.
Throughout the game, Denver found themselves trailing for much of the time, their largest lead in regulation being just two points. However, a pivotal 11-2 run in overtime sealed the victory, with the Thunder struggling offensively and converting only one of their nine possessions during the extra period. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman noted the importance of relying on past experiences, stating that late-game situations draw on what players have previously learned and accomplished.
Nikola Jokic, a key player for the Nuggets, had a challenging night, recording 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists alongside eight turnovers and a dismal shooting performance, missing 17 of 25 shots, including all 10 attempts from beyond the arc. Adelman humorously remarked on Jokic’s off night, recognizing the frustration that can arise when even the most efficient players struggle to find their rhythm.
Game 4 is set for Sunday at Ball Arena, as both teams aim to shift the momentum in the series. Jokic initiated the overtime surge with a finger-roll layup, allowing the Nuggets to take control of the game and ensure they were never behind again.
For the Thunder, coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged there were positives despite the loss, emphasizing the team’s ongoing development and the challenges faced in postseason play. Both teams battled aggressively for control, and Daigneault noted they executed various strategies effectively against Jokic during the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another MVP contender for the Thunder, faced difficulties as well, finishing with 18 points on a night he missed 15 of his 22 field goal attempts. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 32 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18. In a tense finish, both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missed critical last-second shots in regulation, ending that period in a tie at 102.
Daigneault reflected on the sting of playoff losses but maintained optimism for his team’s journey, recognizing the invaluable lessons learned from such competitive encounters. The Nuggets, with their blend of experience and talent, now look to capitalize on the momentum as they prepare for their next challenge.