Denver, Colorado — Nikola Jokić delivered a remarkable performance with 42 points and 22 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a dramatic 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Monday night. With just seconds left on the clock, Aaron Gordon sank a crucial three-pointer, sealing the comeback for the Nuggets, who had been down by as many as nine points in the final quarter.
The Nuggets, who entered the game fresh off a grueling seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, showed resilience in their first playoff game in Oklahoma City since Jokić was named Finals MVP. Gordon, alongside Jokić, was instrumental in the final moments, finishing the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jamal Murray contributed significantly with 21 points, underscoring the depth of Denver’s roster.
Despite a week off after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City had their share of challenges. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Alex Caruso added 20 points, six assists, and five steals. The Thunder’s inability to hold onto their late lead proved decisive, particularly after Chet Holmgren missed two free throws that could have extended their one-point advantage.
Throughout the game, Jokić faced adversity, picking up three fouls during a critical stretch in the third quarter and entering the fourth with five fouls. Nonetheless, he managed to maintain his composure even as the Nuggets clawed their way back from a 104-95 deficit with just under seven minutes remaining.
In a pivotal moment, Jokić received a flagrant foul after a driving elbow caught Lu Dort in the head, awarding the Thunder two free throws. However, instead of faltering, the Nuggets rallied, gradually closing the gap and fostering a sense of urgency that propelled them into the final moments.
Gordon’s game-winning shot echoed his growing reputation for clutch plays, having previously delivered a thrilling buzzer-beater dunk during the first round of playoffs. “When I shot it, did I know it was in? I knew it wasn’t a miss,” he remarked confidently after the game, reflecting on the importance of seizing critical opportunities.
As the Thunder attempted a desperate shot in the closing seconds, they were met with despair. With no timeouts left, they could not successfully execute a final play to tie the game, leaving the Nuggets to celebrate what many considered a stunning victory against the top-seeded team.
With this win, Denver begins the series on a high note, showcasing their playoff tenacity and skill. The players will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the second game, aiming to further assert their status in the postseason. The Nuggets have established their capability to bounce back in high-pressure situations, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense series against the Thunder.