The Denver Nuggets won an exciting Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Denver ended the game with a 14-2 run, including a 7-0 start to overtime.
Jamal Murray was the match winner for the Nuggets with 27 points, eight assists and four steals. But perhaps the most important shot was once again made by Aaron Gordon. His three-pointer with 27 seconds left forced overtime. Gordon finished the game with 22 points, while Michael Porter Jr. showed a strong response with 21 points (7/10 FG) despite a sore shoulder. Nikola Jokic had a rough night offensively (20 points, 8/25 FG, 0/10 3P), but dominated with 16 rebounds, six assists and a strong defensive presence.
In overtime, Jokic’s layup, a Porter three-pointer and a quick Murray layup gave Denver the decisive lead, which they did not relinquish.
Thunder collapse in crunch time
It was a bitter defeat and an offensive disaster in the final stages for Oklahoma City. The Thunder made only three of their last 19 shots and scored just two points in eight overtime possessions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t find his rhythm on offense (18 points, 13 rebounds, seven missed shots in a row at the end), while Jalen Williams with 32 points and Chet Holmgren (strong early, faded late) were the most dangerous on offense.
Lots of fight, little separation
In a closely contested game with 12 lead changes, neither team was ever ahead by double digits. The Nuggets started with a zone defense and struggled early, while OKC made its mark through Holmgren and Williams. But Denver stayed in it, found answers in the second half through its role players and made the decisive plays in overtime.
With the home win, the Nuggets not only showed morale, but also tipped the series slightly in their favor.
