Denver Nuggets Down Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in OT

The Denver Nuggets returned to downtown Denver to host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals. The Nuggets downed the Thunder 113-104 in overtime at Ball Arena on Friday. Denver leads the series 2-1.

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Recap

The Denver Nuggets ruled out DaRon Holmes II with a torn right Achilles. The Nuggets’ starting lineup featured Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets sported their Statement Edition jerseys.

The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out Nikola Topic with a partially torn left ACL. The Thunder’s starting lineup featured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Some of the Thunder’s players signed autographs for the rare Thunder fans in attendance.

The first quarter saw the Thunder’s fast start take a 4-1 lead, but the Nuggets cut the lead to 4-3. The Nuggets tied the game 8-8, but the Thunder’s offense picked up the pace. The Thunder led 28-22 after the first quarter. The second quarter witnessed the Nuggets’ early 4-0 run. Both teams exchanged ties, but the Nuggets’ defense slowed down. The Thunder took a 56-51 lead into halftime.

The third quarter witnessed the Nuggets’ early 4-0 run. The Thunder took a 58-53 lead, but the Nuggets’ offense stayed the course. The Nuggets lost the challenge after challenging the foul call of Michael Porter Jr. as Luguentz Dort went for the dunk. The Thunder led 83-80 after three quarters. The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange leads and ties. The game was tied 102-102 at the end of regulation. The Nuggets won 113-104 in overtime.

Nuggets vs. Thunder Stat Lines

Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets with 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. Aaron Gordon followed with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist. Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Jalen Williams led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 32 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Chet Holmgren followed with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Final Thoughts

After the Denver Nuggets’ 121-119 win in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded with a 149-106 blowout in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference First Round. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets with 19 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists.

The Nuggets and Thunder will meet again in Game 4 on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Mountain. Game 4 will be broadcast on ABC. The Nuggets’ strong home-court advantage can work in their favor, but the team’s defensive lapses, lack of effective role players, and poor coaching strategies can be weaknesses the Thunder can take advantage of.