Denver Nuggets Secure Overtime Victory Over Oklahoma City Thunder
The Denver Nuggets pulled off a thrilling 113-104 overtime win against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Friday night. The victory gives the Nuggets a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 4 set to take place on Sunday at Ball Arena in Denver.
Key Performances: Jamal Murray Shines, Jokic Struggles
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with an impressive 27 points, eight assists, and four steals, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments. Aaron Gordon contributed 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime. Michael Porter Jr., playing through a shoulder injury, added 21 points and was instrumental in the Nuggets’ victory.
However, it was an uncharacteristically off night for Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP. Jokic missed 17 of his 25 shots, including all 10 of his three-point attempts, and committed eight turnovers. Despite his struggles, Jokic still managed to record 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman remained optimistic, stating, “I get why he’s frustrated. But Game 4 is going to come, and he’s going to touch it a million times. Hope he shoots it all the time.”
Thunder’s Effort Falls Short
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by head coach Mark Daigneault, fought valiantly but fell short in the extra period. Jalen Williams was the standout performer for the Thunder, scoring a game-high 32 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate, struggled offensively, missing 15 of his 22 shots and finishing with just 18 points. Rookie Chet Holmgren added 18 points but was unable to provide the spark needed to secure a win.
Coach Daigneault acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, “It’s obviously lousy to lose. But you can take a lot away, and we want to be a team that’s improving through the series.”
Overtime Dominance
The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team leading by more than three points in the fourth quarter. The Thunder held a 102-99 advantage late in regulation, but Gordon’s three-pointer tied the game at 102, sending it into overtime. In the extra period, the Nuggets outscored the Thunder 11-2, capitalizing on their experience and home-court advantage. Jokic opened the overtime scoring with a finger-roll layup, and the Nuggets never trailed again.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of Denver, both teams will look to make adjustments ahead of Game 4. The Nuggets will aim to build on their momentum and secure a commanding series lead, while the Thunder will seek to bounce back and even the series. Jokic’s performance will be a key factor for Denver, as the team will need their star player to return to his usual form. Similarly, the Thunder will rely on Gilgeous-Alexander to regain his scoring touch and lead the team to victory.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at Ball Arena, with tip-off set for 3:30 PM ET.
Source: NBA, Associated Press, cbssports.com