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The Julian Strawther Game: The Former Gonzaga Standout Comes Up Clutch in Game 6

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Blayne Gilmer | Last updated May 16, 2025 11:32 AM ET

In a do-or-die Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Julian Strawther delivered the kind of performance Gonzaga fans have always believed he could perform on the NBA's biggest stage. The former Bulldog sharpshooter stepped up in a crucial moment, pouring in 15 points, all in the second half, to help the Denver Nuggets pull away from the Oklahoma City Thunder and force a Game 7.

Strawther's fingerprints were all over the Nuggets' momentum-shifting run in the third quarter. His three long-range shots came at pivotal stretches, each one igniting the Denver crowd and swinging the game's energy. It wasn't just his shooting that made a difference; his intensity on both ends helped stabilize a Nuggets squad desperate for a spark.

"Moments like that are what you dream about," Strawther reflected after the win, crediting his teammates for trusting him to make plays. For Zags faithful, his words echo the same poise and humility he showed in Spokane.

THE JULIAN STRAWTHER GAME

15 PTS
3-4 3-PT FG
Helps force Game 7 pic.twitter.com/CKT8ye21cH
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 16, 2025

In a gritty sequence that will endear him even more to Gonzaga supporters, Strawther lost part of a prosthetic tooth after absorbing contact but refused to let it slow him down. That toughness is something Bulldog fans have seen time and time again from Strawther, and he brought that same fire to the NBA postseason spotlight.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic praised Strawther's contributions, noting how his timely shot-making shifted the game's flow. Interim coach David Adelman highlighted his defensive hustle, a part of his game that often goes underappreciated.

Strawther's rise to the occasion was no surprise for those who followed his Gonzaga career. This performance wasn't just about the points — it was a glimpse of the clutch competitor Strawther has always been. Reminiscent of the game winner vs. UCLA in the NCAA Tournament. Now, with Game 7 looming in Oklahoma City, the Nuggets will lean on that same fearlessness as they try to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

One year ago, Julian Strawther STUNNED UCLA with this cold-blooded game-winner to help @ZagMBB reach the Elite 8 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/LdpvGDiEHH
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 23, 2024