BREAKING: Nuggets Upset Thunder in Overtime, Lead West Semifinal 2-1; Jokić Struggles, Murray & Gordon Shine
In a thrilling turn of events, the Denver Nuggets outplayed the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime, taking a 2-1 series lead in their West semifinal playoffs. The Nuggets, who often falter without Nikola Jokić’s presence, saw their teammates step up against the MVP candidate’s off night, defeating the Thunder 113-104. Aaron Gordon hit a clutch corner three to force overtime, while Jamal Murray logged 48 minutes, scoring 27 points, and dishing out 8 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also an MVP finalist, struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime, missing key shots. The teams now head into Game 4 at Ball Arena on Sunday, with the Nuggets looking to extend their lead, and the Thunder desperate to avoid a 3-1 series deficit.
Nuggets Surge Past Thunder in Overtime, Take Series Lead in Thrilling West Semifinal
The Denver Nuggets outplayed the Oklahoma City Thunder in a pivotal Game 3, snatching a 113-104 overtime victory to take a 2-1 series lead in their Western Conference Semifinals showdown. Despite Nikola Jokić’s off night, the Nuggets proved they can win when their franchise player isn’t at his best, thanks to a collective effort led by Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Jokic’s Off Night: A Rare Sight
The Nuggets’ big man, who’s been in the conversation for league MVP all season, had a rare off night, shooting 0-10 from beyond the arc, committing eight turnovers, and finishing with just 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Jokić’s struggles opened the door for the Thunder, but the Nuggets’ supporting cast stepped up to keep them afloat.
“20, 16 and six,” interim coach David Adelman said, citing Jokić’s stats. “Just an awful NBA night.” But he’s right; by Jokić’s standards, it was indeed an off night. However, the Nuggets’ ability to win without their superstar’s dominant performance is a testament to their depth and resilience.
Murray and Gordon: Clutch Performances
Jamal Murray played all 53 minutes, finishing with 27 points, eight assists, four steals, and just two turnovers. The Canadian point guard not only filled the scoring void left by Jokić but also led the defensive effort against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Aaron Gordon, too, had a monster game, scoring 22 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out five assists. AG’s corner three in the final seconds of regulation sent the game to overtime and kept the Nuggets’ hopes alive.
Shai’s Struggles Down Stretch
The Thunder’s leading scorer had an uncharacteristically quiet fourth quarter and overtime, scoring just six points on 2-8 shooting. After a dominant first three quarters, Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t buy a basket when it mattered most, allowing the Nuggets to claw their way back into the game and eventually secure the win. His Thunder teammates, notably Jalen Williams (32 points), kept them in the game, but the Nuggets’ defensive adjustments proved too much to overcome.
What’s Next?
With the series now 2-1 in favor of the Nuggets, Game 4 on Sunday (3:30 ET, ABC) becomes a must-win for the Thunder. The Nuggets, meanwhile, have a chance to take a commanding lead in the series. As both teams prepare for Sunday’s game, one thing is clear: it’s going to be a thrilling finish to this Western Conference semifinals matchup.
Pro Tip: Defensive Adjustments Key to Nuggets’ Success
The Nuggets’ ability to switch up their defensive strategy, doubling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at times and focusing on Jalen Williams at others, proved crucial in Game 3. eing able to adjust on the fly is a testament to the coaching staff’s acumen and the players’ willingness to buy in.
FAQs
- Who leads the series now? The Denver Nuggets lead the series 2-1 after their Game 3 victory.
- When is Game 4? Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, May 23rd at 3:30 ET on ABC.
- What do the Thunder need to do to get back in the series? The Thunder need to rediscover their offense from the first half and make adjustments to counteract the Nuggets’ defensive strategies.
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