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Nuggets Steal Game 1 in Thrilling Finish, Gordon’s Late Three Silences Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, OK – The Denver Nuggets, defying expectations and a raucous Oklahoma City crowd, snatched a dramatic 121-119 victory over the Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal series. A clutch three-pointer by Aaron Gordon with mere seconds remaining capped a furious fourth-quarter comeback and silenced the Paycom Center, handing the top-seeded Thunder a stinging defeat in their first game back after a lengthy layoff.
The game was a rollercoaster, a back-and-forth affair marked by stretches of dominance from both teams. The Thunder, fueled by the energy of their home crowd and the dynamic play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared poised to secure the win, holding a lead that ballooned to as many as 13 points in the final quarter. However, the Nuggets, demonstrating resilience and championship mettle, refused to buckle.
Denver’s interim coach, David Adelman, praised his team’s unwavering composure. "I never felt like anybody wavered," Adelman said. "That doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game. … In the NBA, playoffs, these games are so long. You’ve got to give yourself a chance." His words proved prophetic, as the Nuggets relentlessly chipped away at the Thunder’s advantage, setting the stage for the dramatic final moments.
The sequence leading to Gordon’s game-winner was a microcosm of the entire contest – tense, unpredictable, and ultimately decided by a series of crucial plays. With just 9.5 seconds on the clock and the Thunder clinging to a one-point lead, Russell Westbrook fouled Chet Holmgren, sending the rookie to the free-throw line. Holmgren, typically a reliable free-throw shooter, uncharacteristically missed both attempts, providing the Nuggets with a lifeline.
Christian Braun secured the critical rebound, quickly passing the ball to Westbrook, the former Thunder superstar. Westbrook, keenly aware of the situation, drove down the court, drawing the attention of the Thunder defense before expertly dishing the ball to a wide-open Aaron Gordon on the wing. Gordon, without hesitation, rose up and drilled the three-pointer, sending the Nuggets’ bench into a frenzy and stunning the Oklahoma City faithful.
Adelman, reflecting on Gordon’s performance and his importance to the team, stated, "(Gordon) is a Denver Nugget, man. He is the soul of our team." Gordon finished the game with 22 points, his timely basket serving as the ultimate testament to his value.
While Gordon’s heroics will undoubtedly dominate the headlines, the victory was a collective effort. Nikola Jokic, despite facing constant defensive pressure, delivered a dominant performance, particularly in the fourth quarter. He poured in 18 of his game-high 42 points in the final period, showcasing his offensive versatility with a pair of three-pointers and eight made free throws. Jokic also hauled down 22 rebounds, matching his playoff career high, further underscoring his impact on the game.
The Thunder’s defense, while initially effective in containing Jokic, eventually faltered under his relentless assault. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the challenges of guarding Jokic, noting that his team utilized multiple players in an attempt to slow him down. "I didn’t think our execution was as clean as it can be," Daigneault said. "But we’ll learn from it. It’s a series."
The game wasn’t without its controversy. With less than seven minutes remaining, Jokic was called for a Flagrant 1 foul after elbowing Luguentz Dort in the jaw while Dort was defending him in the lane. Dort remained on the ground for several moments, and after a lengthy review, the foul was assessed. It was Jokic’s fifth foul of the game, raising concerns that he might foul out and jeopardize the Nuggets’ chances. However, Jokic managed to avoid picking up his sixth foul and continued to play a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ comeback.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and cementing his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars. However, his efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome the Nuggets’ late-game surge. Another standout for the Thunder was Alex Caruso who poured in 20 points.
Russell Westbrook, playing against his former team, proved to be a valuable contributor for the Nuggets. While his overall scoring was modest, his impact was felt throughout the game, particularly during a crucial stretch in the third quarter. With the Thunder leading by 14 points with less than five minutes left in the quarter, Westbrook ignited a 17-8 run, scoring eight of his 10 third-quarter points and helping to cut the deficit to five before the end of the period. His playmaking and energy provided a spark for the Nuggets when they needed it most.
The Thunder struggled from beyond the arc early in the game, missing their first 10 three-point attempts before Caruso finally connected early in the second quarter. This cold shooting hampered their offensive flow and allowed the Nuggets to stay within striking distance.
Despite the disappointing loss, Daigneault remained optimistic about his team’s chances in the series. "No one just walks their way through a series at this point in the season," he said, emphasizing the need for his team to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger in Game 2.
The Thunder will have a chance to regroup and even the series when they host the Nuggets again on Wednesday. They will need to tighten their defense, improve their three-point shooting, and find ways to contain Jokic more effectively. For the Nuggets, the victory provides a significant boost of confidence as they look to continue their quest for a second consecutive NBA championship. Game 2 promises to be another hard-fought battle, with both teams determined to gain the upper hand in this compelling Western Conference Semifinal matchup.
