Nikola Jokić Shines in Game 6 to Keep Nuggets Alive
The Denver Nuggets extended their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 119-107 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night. The win, secured at Ball Arena, forces a decisive Game 7 on Sunday. Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, led the charge with a dominant performance, while Julian Strawther and Jamal Murray provided crucial support.
Jokić’s Dominance Continues
Nikola Jokić showcased why he remains one of the NBA’s most impactful players. Logging 42 minutes, Jokić scored 29 points on 51.7% shooting, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. His ability to control the game on both ends of the floor was instrumental in the Nuggets’ victory. Jokić’s performance came at a critical juncture, as Denver faced elimination for the second time in this series.
Julian Strawther Steps Up
With the Nuggets’ rotation stretched thin, Julian Strawther emerged as an unexpected hero. The second-year swingman, who had played sparingly in the series, delivered 15 points in just 20 minutes, all in the second half. Strawther’s three-point shooting (3-for-4 from beyond the arc) provided a much-needed spark off the bench. His contributions allowed Denver to maintain their lead and ease the burden on Jokić and Murray.
Jamal Murray Overcomes Illness
Jamal Murray, who was listed as questionable due to illness earlier in the day, proved his resilience once again. The guard played 42 minutes and recorded 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Murray’s ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his postseason career, and his efforts in Game 6 were no exception. “The team needs you,” Murray said postgame, reflecting his determination to play despite not feeling 100%.
Avoiding a Fourth-Quarter Collapse
In previous games, the Nuggets struggled to close out in the fourth quarter, squandering leads in Games 4 and 5. However, interim coach David Adelman managed rotations effectively in Game 6, ensuring that both Jokić and Murray received adequate rest during key moments. Denver’s bench, led by Strawther, stepped up to maintain the lead, and the Thunder never came closer than eight points in the final nine minutes.
Thunder’s Struggles and Jalen Williams’ Inconsistency
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the team with 32 points, but his co-star Jalen Williams struggled mightily. Williams shot just 3-for-16 from the field, contributing only 6 points. His inconsistency has been a recurring issue throughout the series, and Oklahoma City will need a stronger performance from him in Game 7.
Injury Concerns for Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon, a key player for the Nuggets, appeared to tweak his left hamstring late in the fourth quarter. While Gordon downplayed the severity of the injury postgame, his availability for Game 7 remains uncertain. Denver will benefit from two days of rest before the deciding game, providing Gordon with additional recovery time.
Looking Ahead to Game 7
Game 7 will take place on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET in Oklahoma City. The matchup promises to be another intense battle, featuring two Kia NBA MVP finalists in Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander. The Nuggets will look to replicate their Game 6 success, while the Thunder will aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Key factors to watch include the health of Aaron Gordon and the performance of Jalen Williams.
Source: [NBA.com], [AP]