The Denver Nuggets bounced back in a big way on Friday night. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime to take a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.
This win came just days after Denver’s crushing 43-point loss in Game 2. The team showed heart, teamwork, and experience as they fought hard at home in Ball Arena.
Game 4 is set for Sunday in Denver.
Denver’s Key Players Step Up
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points. Aaron Gordon added 22. Michael Porter Jr., playing with a sore left shoulder, scored 21 points. It was his best game since getting hurt in the first round of the playoffs.
Star center Nikola Jokic had a tough shooting night. He made just 8 of 25 shots and missed all 10 of his three-point tries. Still, he finished with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Interim head coach David Adelson said, “Even on a bad night, Jokic gives us so much. He’ll bounce back in Game 4.”
Strong Finish in Overtime
The game was tied 102-102 after four quarters. In overtime, Jokic scored first with a finger-roll layup. From there, the Nuggets went on an 11-2 run and never looked back. The Thunder missed 8 of their 9 shots in overtime.
Denver’s defense was tight, and their offense came alive when it mattered most.
Oklahoma City Fought Hard
Oklahoma City’s top scorer was Jalen Williams, who finished with 32 points. Chet Holmgren added 18. But MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an off night. He scored just 18 points and missed 15 of 22 shots.
Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic had chances to win the game in regulation. Gilgeous-Alexander missed a 12-footer with three seconds left. Jokic then missed a 19-foot shot at the buzzer.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said, “It was a tough loss. But we’re learning and growing. These are the types of games that build great teams.”
A Bounce-Back Game for the Nuggets
This win was important for Denver. In Game 2, they had suffered one of the worst losses in playoff history. But in Game 3, they showed poise and toughness.
Coach Adelson praised the team’s ability to stay focused and close out games. He said, “Late in games, you rely on experience. We’ve been there before, and it shows.”
Two years ago, the Nuggets won the NBA title. That championship DNA helped them handle the pressure in this close game.
What’s Next?
The series continues Sunday with Game 4, again in Denver. The Nuggets will try to take a 3-1 lead before heading back to Oklahoma City.
The Thunder, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and tie the series.
Series Recap So Far
- Game 1: Nuggets won on a last-second 3-pointer by Gordon
- Game 2: Thunder won by 43 points, dominating both ends of the floor
- Game 3: Nuggets won in overtime, showing strong defense and clutch shooting
Quick Stats
- Final Score: Nuggets 113, Thunder 104 (OT)
- Top Scorer (DEN): Jamal Murray – 27 points
- Top Scorer (OKC): Jalen Williams – 32 points
- Rebounds Leader: Nikola Jokic – 16 rebounds
- Turnovers (Jokic): 8
- 3-Point Shooting (Jokic): 0-for-10
Nuggets Regain Confidence
This win gives the Nuggets back their confidence and momentum. It also gives them a chance to take control of the series at home.
Jokic may have had an off night, but his effort still helped the team win. And with Porter Jr. returning to form, Denver looks more balanced and dangerous.
Thunder Must Adjust
Oklahoma City needs to regroup. Their young core has shown flashes of brilliance, but they struggled to finish strong in Game 3.
Coach Daigneault said the team is still growing. He believes these challenges will help the Thunder in the long run.
