In an exhilarating opener of the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets caused an upset by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-120, even after a short recovery period from their previous series against the Clippers. Playing at home, the Thunder seemed poised for victory until a remarkable comeback from the Nuggets shifted the game’s momentum in the final quarter.
As the fourth quarter progressed, Oklahoma City led by a single point when Chet Holmgren missed a crucial free throw, allowing Christian Braun to retrieve the rebound. In a swift play, Braun passed to Russell Westbrook, whose assist enabled Aaron Gordon to score the decisive three-pointer over Holmgren, sealing a thrilling win for the Nuggets. This shot was Gordon’s second playoff match-winner, and he expressed his satisfaction post-game, stating that he focused on making the right play.
The Thunder’s strategy in the game’s dying minutes drew scrutiny, particularly their decision to intentionally foul star player Nikola Jokic while holding a three-point lead. NBA commentators and analysts were quick to condemn the move, noting that it backfired significantly. Despite opinions on this controversial tactic, Thunder’s coach Mark Daigneault maintained that the decision was a standard practice for his team and insisted it was not the cause of their loss.
Despite missing the opportunity for a crucial win, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an impressive performance with 33 points, alongside Alex Caruso’s 20 points and multiple assists and steals. Throughout the game, Jokic proved a standout player, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds, despite being in foul trouble during critical moments.
As the game unfolded, the Thunder’s management and tactical choices became a focal point, especially as they squandered a home advantage after a week-long break following their sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. With Oklahoma City out of timeouts, they were unable to secure a point on their last play, ending the game with a missed shot as time ran out.
This loss marks a challenging start for the Thunder in the semi-finals, while the Nuggets will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.