NBA Playoffs: Nuggets' Poor Start Costs Them In Game 4 Loss To Thunder

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Post on May 12, 2025

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NBA Playoffs: Nuggets' Slow Start Dooms Them in Game 4 Loss to Thunder

The Denver Nuggets suffered a crushing blow in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 117-112 and relinquishing home-court advantage. A disastrous start proved to be the Nuggets' undoing, as they struggled to contain the Thunder's offensive firepower and never fully recovered from their early deficit. This loss shifts the momentum dramatically heading into Game 5 in Oklahoma City.

A Nightmare First Quarter Fuels Thunder Victory

The game's narrative was effectively set in the opening period. The Thunder, fueled by an electrifying performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, jumped out to a commanding 37-21 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander's aggressive drives to the basket and pinpoint passing carved up the Nuggets' defense, leaving Denver scrambling to contain the Oklahoma City onslaught. This early deficit forced the Nuggets into a desperate catch-up game for the remainder of the contest.

Nuggets' Offensive Struggles and Defensive Gaps

While Nikola Jokic once again delivered a near triple-double, his efforts weren't enough to compensate for the team's overall struggles. The Nuggets' supporting cast failed to provide consistent offensive support, leaving Jokic isolated and struggling against Oklahoma City's aggressive double-teams. Defensively, Denver's rotations were slow and disjointed, allowing the Thunder to exploit gaps and consistently find open looks from beyond the arc. The Thunder's ability to spread the floor and move the ball effectively proved too much for the Nuggets' defense to handle.

Gilgeous-Alexander's Masterclass

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was nothing short of sensational. He consistently attacked the basket, drawing fouls and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His 37-point masterpiece, coupled with his ability to control the tempo of the game, highlights his emergence as a bonafide playoff star. He showcased a level of skill and composure beyond his years, effectively neutralizing Jokic's dominance in crucial moments.

What's Next for the Nuggets?

The Nuggets now face a pivotal Game 5 on the road. Their slow starts have become a recurring theme, and head coach Michael Malone will need to find a solution to prevent another early deficit. Adjusting defensive strategies to better contain Gilgeous-Alexander and finding ways to generate more consistent offense from the supporting cast are critical areas of focus for Denver. The series is far from over, but the momentum has decisively shifted towards the Oklahoma City Thunder. Can the Nuggets rediscover their form and avoid an early playoff exit? The answer will be revealed in the upcoming games.

Key Takeaways:

• Slow Starts are Costly: The Nuggets’ inability to start strong has proven detrimental.
• Gilgeous-Alexander's Dominance: His performance was a key factor in the Thunder's victory.
• Nuggets' Supporting Cast Needs to Step Up: More offensive contributions are needed beyond Jokic.
• Defensive Adjustments are Crucial: Denver needs to improve their rotations and contain the Thunder's offense.
• Home-Court Advantage Lost: The series shifts to Oklahoma City with the Thunder holding the advantage.

The next game promises to be a crucial clash, and fans across the globe will be watching closely to see if the Nuggets can mount a comeback or if the Thunder will complete the upset. The NBA Playoffs continue to deliver thrilling matchups, and this series is no exception.