Nuggets Rally in Overtime Thriller to Defeat Thunder in Game 3
In a heart-stopping playoff clash, the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-118 in overtime during Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Tuesday night. The high-stakes showdown at Paycom Center saw Denver erase a late deficit behind Nikola Jokić’s triple-double and clutch plays from Jamal Murray, shifting the series momentum in their favor.
Jokić and Murray Deliver When It Matters Most
The Nuggets’ star duo combined for 68 points, with Jokić posting 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Murray added 36 points—including a critical three-pointer in overtime. Despite Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropping 40 points, Denver’s championship pedigree shone through in crunch time. “We knew we had to dig deep,” Jokić told reporters postgame. “Playoff basketball is about resilience, and tonight we showed we have it.”
Key stats from the thriller:
- Overtime dominance: Denver outscored OKC 13-10 in the extra period, holding the Thunder to 33% shooting.
- Bench impact: The Nuggets’ reserves contributed 28 points, led by Christian Braun’s 12.
- Turnover battle: OKC’s 15 turnovers led to 22 Denver points, offsetting their 52-44 rebounding edge.
Thunder’s Missed Opportunities Haunt Them
Oklahoma City led by 7 with under three minutes in regulation but faltered down the stretch. Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics—including a step-back three to force OT—weren’t enough as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams went 2-of-9 combined in the fourth quarter and overtime. “We lost our composure in key moments,” admitted Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “Against a team like Denver, every possession is magnified.”
Analysts pointed to Denver’s defensive adjustments as the turning point. After allowing 38 points in the paint during the first half, the Nuggets switched to a zone defense, limiting OKC to just 18 paint points after halftime. “Their adaptability won this game,” ESPN analyst Doris Burke noted during the broadcast.
Series Implications and What’s Next
The victory gives Denver a 2-1 series lead, reclaiming home-court advantage. Game 4 looms as pivotal—historically, teams winning Game 3 after a split go on to take the series 72% of the time (per NBA Advanced Stats). However, the Thunder remain confident. “This series is far from over,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Three factors to watch in Game 4:
- Fatigue management: Both teams played 7 rotation players over 30 minutes, raising stamina concerns.
- Three-point regression: Denver shot 42% from deep (16-of-38), well above their 36% season average.
- Holmgren’s response: The rookie big man’s 4-point night marked his playoff low; his rim protection will be crucial.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Classic in the Making
With Game 4 set for Thursday in Oklahoma City, this series is shaping up as one of the postseason’s most compelling. The Nuggets aim to replicate their 2023 championship poise, while the Thunder’s young core seeks to prove their meteoric rise is no fluke. As the chess match between coaches Michael Malone and Daigneault intensifies, adjustments in pick-and-roll coverage and transition defense could decide who gains the upper hand.
For fans craving high-stakes basketball, this series delivers. Tune in Thursday night on TNT at 9:30 PM ET to witness the next chapter of this electrifying matchup.
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