Jokic Guides Nuggets to Thrilling Win Over Thunder in NBA Playoff Semi-Final

Aaron Gordon hit a crucial three-pointer at the buzzer, and Nikola Jokic scored 42 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 121-119 win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening game of the NBA Western Conference semi-finals on Monday.

Gordon made a 25-foot three-pointer with just four seconds left to give the Nuggets the win. The Thunder had been leading by as much as 14 points in the third quarter at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Despite holding a double-digit lead for most of the fourth quarter, the Thunder watched their advantage slip away as Jokic scored 18 points in the final period.

The three-time NBA MVP finished with 42 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Oklahoma City regretted missing two free throws from forward Chet Holmgren with 10 seconds left, while leading 119-118.

Those missed shots cost them, as Denver grabbed the rebound and made a final push, ending with Gordon’s game-winning three-pointer.

Denver’s interim coach, David Adelman, praised Gordon for his all-around performance, noting his 22 points and 14 rebounds.

“I’m looking at his ball-handling, leadership, and responsibility – he’s the heart of our team,” said Adelman. “It’s great to see him have a moment like this.”

Gordon credited the Nuggets’ calmness in tough situations for the win.

“A lot of guys stepped up,” he said. “We stayed calm and believed we’d win, no matter the situation.”

Gordon and Jokic got good support from Jamal Murray, who scored 21 points, and Russell Westbrook, who added 18 points.

For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the top performer with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Alex Caruso also did well, scoring 20 points off the bench with five three-pointers.

The second game of the best-of-seven series will be played on Wednesday.