The Denver Nuggets made a commendable comeback from their significant 43-point defeat by securing a thrilling 113-104 overtime victory against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference semifinals. With standout performances from Jamal Murray, who led with 27 points, Aaron Gordon adding 22, and Michael Porter Jr. contributing 21 in his best game since a shoulder injury, the Nuggets utilized their prior experience and home court advantage effectively.
Throughout the match, the Nuggets found themselves trailing for much of the time and could only manage a two-point lead in regulation. However, they delivered a decisive 11-2 run in overtime while the Thunder struggled offensively, converting only one of their nine possessions in that period. Despite a subpar outing from star Nikola Jokic, who recorded eight turnovers and shot poorly, his overall stats included 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, enough to support the team’s efforts.
Interim coach David Adelman reflected on the game, indicating that the players were able to draw on their past experiences, particularly in clutch situations. He humorously noted Jokic’s off-night, “What an awful NBA night,” underscoring the atypical performance of a player often regarded as one of the league’s most efficient scoring talents.
The Thunder, coached by Mark Daigneault, also had notable performances, especially from Jalen Williams, who led his team with 32 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, regarded as an NBA MVP contender, faced challenges, managing only 18 points on poor shooting. Both teams fought hard, and Daigneault conveyed pride in his team’s progress, emphasising that playoff hardships are essential for growth.
The game reached a tie at 102 following regulation, with missed winning opportunities from both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander in the final seconds. Daigneault acknowledged the sting of playoff losses but emphasised the importance of rising to the challenges faced in the pursuit of becoming a great team.
This victory propelled the Nuggets to a 2-1 series lead, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for an intense continuation of the series.