DENVER — Michael Porter Jr.’s left arm hung limp, a clear sign of the toll his shoulder injury has taken. A grade 2 sprain typically sidelines athletes for weeks, but when informed of that prognosis by Denver Nuggets training staff, Porter firmly rebuffed the notion of taking a break. His determination was on full display Friday night, as the Nuggets snagged a 113-104 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.
Porter, heavily bandaged and encased in ice beneath his warm-up attire, prepared for the game with an injection of lidocaine. His plight reflects the broader tenacity of the Nuggets, a team overcoming adversity to make a surprising playoff run. Just a month prior, the franchise was reeling from significant changes in the front office. Now, after overcoming the LA Clippers in a seven-game series and securing two wins against the Thunder, the interim head coach David Adelman leads a team on the brink of upsetting one of the league’s top contenders.
“We knew we had to stay close,” Adelman stated after the game. “The longer we remained in it, the better our chances, particularly since both teams were logging major minutes.” Despite only holding the lead for a combined 17 minutes and 22 seconds across the first three games of the series, the Nuggets find themselves up against a must-win situation for the Thunder, who dominated the regular season with 68 wins.
How, then, have the Nuggets managed to seize control? Even with their star player, Nikola Jokić, shooting a disappointing 8 of 25 from the field and committing eight turnovers, contributions from role players proved vital. Jamal Murray led the team with 27 points, assisted greatly with 17 points in the final quarter and overtime. Aaron Gordon’s key shots—including a massive three-pointer with 27.5 seconds left to force overtime—highlighted his pivotal role in the win. Porter added 21 points, showcasing resilience despite his injury.
On the defensive end, the Nuggets have transformed their approach compared to their regular-season performance, where they ranked among the league’s weakest defenses. The playoffs have reinvigorated their commitment to shutting down opposing offenses. They held Oklahoma City to just 1 of 7 shooting in overtime and managed to stifle MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forcing him into a challenging shooting night.
Until now, the Thunder’s depth and athleticism have posed significant challenges for Denver. However, the reigning NBA champions draw from their collective playoff experience, giving them an edge in tight situations. As the Thunder struggled in clutch moments, the Nuggets exuded confidence, showcasing a maturity that had been lacking in their earlier encounters.
“The experience helps us late in games,” Adelman said, referring to previous blowout losses. “We focused more on our approach this time.” This shift in mindset was evident as the Nuggets maintained composure during critical moments, something that eluded them in an earlier game this week.
The Nuggets’ success doesn’t solely rely on Jokić’s contributions; rather, it’s a testament to the team’s growth and synergy. Murray, Gordon, and Porter have emerged as a cohesive unit capable of capitalizing on opportunities. Porter’s clutch shooting continued into overtime when he hit a critical three-pointer, marking a notable achievement when the team had a rare multi-possession lead.
This evolution indicates a departure from the team’s past struggles as individuals and underscores their newfound unity. With each player demonstrating accountability and mutual support, the Nuggets are forging a path reminiscent of a squad ignited by renewed joy, as Adelman encouraged them to embrace.
“We understand that it requires effort from everyone,” Murray emphasized. “Communication and teamwork have become our strongest assets.” As the Nuggets prepare for Sunday’s Game 4, their ascent from turmoil to possible playoff success reflects not just their physical prowess, but also an enduring spirit that has developed throughout this playoff journey.