In a thrilling first game of the Western Conference semi-finals, Nikola Jokić demonstrated why he’s one of the NBA’s premier talents, racking up an eye-popping 42 points and 22 rebounds. His monumental effort was complemented by Aaron Gordon’s clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds, guiding the Denver Nuggets to a dramatic 121-119 comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the Nuggets facing a frantic finish and out of timeouts, Oklahoma City had a chance to secure the win but ultimately fell short, missing a desperate shot as the clock expired. Highlighting the storyline was Russell Westbrook, who orchestrated Gordon’s game-winning shot. This was a particularly poignant moment for Westbrook, as it marked his first playoff appearance in Oklahoma City as an opposing player, a testament to his storied career with the Thunder.
Gordon also added a solid 22 points and 14 rebounds to his tally, while Jamal Murray contributed 21 points to help the Nuggets snatch the victory after recently wrapping up a grueling seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The turning point came when Chet Holmgren of the Thunder, who had performed well previously, faltered at the line, missing two crucial free throws that allowed Denver to capitalize.
After the game, Gordon was brimming with confidence, reflecting on his clutch shot: “When I shot it, did I know it was in? I knew it wasn’t a miss.” This isn’t new territory for Gordon, who has been making clutch plays throughout these playoffs. His buzzer-beater dunk against the Clippers earlier this series is already a highlight reel staple.
As for the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put forth a commendable effort of his own, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists—nearly leading Oklahoma City to victory. Teammate Alex Caruso also had a notable performance, contributing 20 points, six assists, and five steals. However, the night was not without its challenges, as the Thunder had been idle for over a week following their first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jokić faced foul trouble during a crucial stretch in the third quarter, picking up three fouls in quick succession. Despite that, he remained resilient, and the Nuggets clawed back from a 73-64 deficit, narrowing the score to 90-85 by the end of the third. However, when the Thunder pushed their lead to 104-95 with just under seven minutes left, Jokić found himself in a precarious position after being called for a flagrant foul on Lu Dort—a tough break that saw him sitting on his fifth foul with significant time still on the clock.
The Nuggets, undeterred, pressed on and executed their game plan to perfection in the last moments, ultimately sealing a thrilling victory that sets a tense tone for the rest of the series. This comeback win not only showcases Denver’s grit but also hints at an explosive playoff run ahead—one that fans will surely be on the edge of their seats for.
