Denver struck a blow of authority in the start of the Western semifinals with a 121-119 victory over the Thunder at home, with an unexpected protagonist: Aaron Gordon. The forward not only sealed the victory with a three-pointer with less than three seconds left, but was also key in the fight for rebounds and in keeping the team afloat in difficult moments.
But he didn't do it alone. Nikola Jokic once again lived up to expectations, dominating under the rim and leading his team in one of the most demanding games of the playoffs.
The game was a constant battle in which Oklahoma City was in control for much of the game, but Denver never gave up. And when the margin was down to the wire, the Nuggets' experience and coolness won out.
An Uphill Start For The Champions
The Thunder came out strong and took the lead from the start, pushed by their intense defense and the great work of Alex Caruso. The guard was instrumental in breaking the Nuggets' offensive rhythm, cutting off passing lanes and converting turnovers into quick points on the other end of the court. During the first half, Oklahoma City felt comfortable, dominating transitions and making Denver pay for every mistake.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started the game with determination, but as the minutes went by, the visitors focused on closing down the lanes and forcing the ball to pass through other hands. The strategy was effective, as neither Jalen Williams nor Chet Holmgren were able to assume the offensive role that the moment required. Although Dort and Caruso himself hit some three-pointers, Denver seemed content to allow those shots if it meant keeping Shai away from the rim.
Despite OKC's good start, the advantage was never definitive. The Nuggets stayed in the fight based on effort and offensive rebounds, which began to make the difference in the second half. The key was not to let the rival escape on the scoreboard, even though they had to row from behind for most of the game.
Jokic Takes Control And Changes The Pace
If anyone held up the Nuggets when they needed it most, it was Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center was a constant presence on both sides of the court, winning rebounds, scoring points in the paint and distributing the ball intelligently. When Denver could not find clear paths, he was in charge of imposing calm and making decisions that gradually destabilized the opposing defense.
His reading of the game was key to punish Holmgren and Hartenstein, who accumulated fouls trying to stop him. Jokic did not get desperate when the Thunder surrounded him in the paint and knew when to attack directly or when to give the ball to well-placed teammates. His performance was outstanding: 40 points, more than 20 rebounds and a calmness that spread to the rest of the team.
Denver also found in Gordon and Christian Braun the ideal complement to exploit the Thunder's weaknesses in rebounding. The 27 points in second chances scored by the Colorado team were decisive. Each recovered ball was a new opportunity that they took advantage of to not let the game slip away.
Gordon's Triple And A Tension-Filled Finale
With the game on the wire, all signs pointed to OKC taking Game 1. Even when Jokic brought the Nuggets closer with a three-pointer and a key rebound in the final minute, a decision by him to pass the ball instead of looking for the hoop almost cost them the game. Westbrook missed the three-pointer that could have been the winning play, and a tense exchange of free throws began as both teams struggled to control the clock.
That's when everything changed. Chet Holmgren was sent to the line and, under pressure, missed both shots. Denver picked up the rebound with no timeouts available and raced to the other side of the court.
Westbrook took the responsibility, but instead of forcing, he found Gordon alone at the three-point line. With more than four seconds on the clock, the forward confidently pulled up and made the shot that sealed the comeback.
It wasn't an isolated play. Gordon had punished from the corner before, and this time he did it again when it mattered most. His coolness at that moment, coupled with all the effort he had shown throughout the match, made him the hero of the night.
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A Series That Promises Strong Emotions
Denver's Game 1 win sends a clear message: these champions are ready for any challenge. Oklahoma City showed its virtues and made it clear why it has been one of the best teams in the West this season, but now knows it will have no margin for error. The Nuggets, meanwhile, showed that they don't need to dominate the entire game to take the win, as long as they execute well when they need it most.
With Jokic unstoppable, Gordon in leadership mode and a team that already knows what it's like to win in complicated scenarios, Denver has put the series in a very interesting position. Game 2 promises to be just as intense, with the Thunder looking to fine-tune details and the Nuggets trying to repeat the formula. There is a lot of history left to be written, but the first chapter already made it clear that this will be a high-level series.
