Nuggets Outlast Thunder in Overtime to Take 2-1 Series Lead

Denver Responds After Blowout Loss With Grit and Experience

The Denver Nuggets reminded the NBA why they remain a championship-caliber team. Just two days after a 43-point dismantling in Game 2, the defending champs regrouped at Ball Arena and delivered a grinding 113-104 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, seizing a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Jamal Murray was the tone-setter for Denver, scoring 27 points and hitting tough shots when the game tightened late. Aaron Gordon added 22 points and played a vital role defensively. Michael Porter Jr., still nursing a left shoulder sprain, provided timely offense with 21 points, including multiple clutch buckets that helped the Nuggets pull away in overtime.

Jokic Struggles — But Still Delivers

Nikola Jokic had a rare off night by his elite standards, finishing with 20 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and eight turnovers. He shot just 8-of-25 from the field and missed all 10 of his three-point attempts.

Yet when it mattered most, Jokic delivered. His signature floater ignited the Nuggets’ decisive 11-2 run in overtime, while the Thunder faltered — shooting just 1-for-9 during the extra period.

Denver head coach David Adelman maintained his confidence in the two-time MVP:

“I mean, 20-16-6 — what an awful night,” Adelman said with a smile. “But Game 4 is coming. He’ll touch the ball a million times. Hope he shoots it all the time.”

Thunder Run Out of Steam

The Thunder leaned on Jalen Williams, who poured in a game-high 32 points and attacked relentlessly in transition. However, MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could not find his rhythm, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting. Oklahoma City’s offense stagnated late, scoring just nine points in the final nine minutes, including overtime.

With the game tied in the final moments of regulation, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a potential game-winner with three seconds left. Jokic’s buzzer-beating attempt on the other end also missed, sending the game to overtime — where the Nuggets’ poise ultimately proved decisive.

Head coach Mark Daigneault saw the loss as part of the Thunder’s evolution:

“We’re in the process of becoming a great team. And to do that, you have to get taken to the limit in the playoffs. This is part of that.”

Looking Ahead: Game 4 in Denver

Game 4 is set for Sunday night in Denver, with the Nuggets aiming to extend their lead and reassert their championship credentials. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, will need to bounce back quickly, especially offensively, to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.

For the Thunder, the series now becomes a test of maturity. For Denver, it’s a chance to remind the league that championship DNA doesn’t fade overnight.