Denver – After suffering a significant defeat of 43 points, the Denver Nuggets were aware they needed to rise to the occasion against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Utilizing their experience and home advantage, they aimed to play to their strengths.
Ultimately, they succeeded in Game 3 on Friday, winning 113-104. Key contributors included Jamal Murray with 27 points, Aaron Gordon with 22, and Michael Porter Jr., who scored 21 points despite playing with one arm.
Similar to Game 1, where Gordon clinched victory with a 3-pointer, the Nuggets found themselves trailing for much of the game, but they narrowed the gap to just two points before the Thunder capitalized during a surge.
“In the second half, I think you can lean on your instincts and experiences,” interim coach David Adelman reflected on the Nuggets, who are two years removed from an NBA title run.
Despite a challenging night for Nikola Jokic, who recorded eight turnovers and hit only 8 of 25 shots—missing all three-point attempts—the Nuggets still managed to gain a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. He finished with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
“I mean, 20, 16, 6, what a rough night for him,” Adelman joked. “I’m sure he’s a bit frustrated. When you’re usually so efficient, a night like this can be trying.”
Looking ahead, Game 4 will take place at Ball Arena on Sunday.
In overtime, Jokic found his rhythm with a finger roll layup, and the Nuggets maintained control for the rest of the game.
“Losing is never easy,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted. “But we’ve seen positive developments, and we’re aiming to improve as a team throughout this series.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another MVP candidate, struggled as well, hitting only 7 of 22 shots and finishing with 18 points.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 32 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points.
At the end of regulation, the score was tied at 102, with both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missing key shots that could have clinched the win.
“We always feel the sting of loss in the playoffs,” Daigneault noted. “But I believe we’re on the right path toward becoming a strong team, and we’ve ticked several boxes in this process. Facing challenges in the playoffs is essential for growth.”
