Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder 119 vs Denver Nuggets 121
Aaron Gordon’s game-winner, Nikola Jokić’s 42 points and 22 rebounds stun Thunder as Nuggets steal Game 1 in West semis.
Aaron Gordon hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds to score 22 points and lift the Denver Nuggets to a 121-119 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round Western Conference playoff series….Details below ⬇️⬇️
Aaron Gordon’s Buzzer-Beater and Nikola Jokić’s Historic Performance Propel Nuggets to Game 1 Victory Over Thunder
In a thrilling start to the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets edged out the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 121–119 in Game 1, thanks to a last-second three-pointer by Aaron Gordon and a monumental performance by Nikola Jokić.
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A Game of High Stakes and Higher Drama
The Thunder, entering the playoffs as the Western Conference’s top seed, demonstrated their dominance early, building a 14-point lead in the third quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Alex Caruso contributed 20 points off the bench.
However, the Nuggets, showcasing their championship pedigree, mounted a formidable comeback in the fourth quarter. Jokić, a three-time MVP, delivered an extraordinary stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists, becoming the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to achieve such numbers in a playoff game.
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The Final Moments: Strategy and Execution
With just over four minutes remaining, the Thunder held an 11-point lead. In a strategic move, Oklahoma City employed the “foul up three” tactic, intentionally fouling to prevent Denver from attempting a game-tying three-pointer. This decision backfired when Aaron Gordon sank two free throws, and subsequent missed free throws by Chet Holmgren allowed Denver to stay within striking distance.
In the closing seconds, Russell Westbrook, returning to Oklahoma City, assisted Gordon on a three-pointer with 2.8 seconds left, giving the Nuggets their first lead since the opening quarter and sealing the victory.
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Reactions and Implications
Post-game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the missteps in strategy execution, stating, “We fouled too early. That’s on me.”
For the Nuggets, the victory not only shifts home-court advantage but also underscores their resilience and experience. Jokić’s leadership and Gordon’s clutch performance highlight Denver’s depth and determination to defend their championship title.
Game 2 is set to take place in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will aim to even the series and regain momentum.
