Nuggets Defeat Thunder In Overtime Thriller, Take 2-1 Series Lead

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Post on May 11, 2025

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Nuggets Defeat Thunder in Overtime Thriller, Take 2-1 Series Lead

Denver, CO – The Denver Nuggets snatched a thrilling 121-114 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, seizing a 2-1 series lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff matchup. The game, a rollercoaster of momentum swings and incredible individual performances, showcased the intensity and unpredictability of this burgeoning playoff rivalry.

The electrifying atmosphere at Ball Arena was palpable from tip-off. Both teams traded blows throughout the regulation period, with neither able to establish a commanding lead. The Thunder, fueled by the explosive scoring of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, consistently challenged the Nuggets' dominance, keeping the game razor-thin until the final buzzer.

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Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Performance Kept Thunder in the Hunt

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's young superstar, put on a masterclass, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability and leadership. He finished with an impressive 31 points, relentlessly attacking the basket and hitting crucial shots down the stretch. His performance kept the Thunder in contention throughout the nail-biting contest and highlighted his emergence as a top-tier NBA player. However, even his brilliance wasn't enough to overcome the Nuggets' overall team effort.

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Jokic's Triple-Double Leads Nuggets Charge

Nikola Jokic, the reigning two-time NBA MVP, once again demonstrated his all-around excellence, posting a triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His court vision and ability to orchestrate the Nuggets' offense were pivotal in their comeback and subsequent overtime victory. Jokic's performance solidified his status as a leading contender for this year's MVP award and underscores his importance to the Nuggets’ playoff success.

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Murray's Clutch Plays Seal the Deal

Jamal Murray's contributions were equally crucial. He consistently provided crucial buckets throughout the game and hit some pivotal shots in overtime that sealed the victory for the Nuggets. His performance, alongside Jokic's, showcased the Nuggets' formidable offensive firepower. The duo's combined effort proved too much for the Thunder's defense to handle, particularly in the high-pressure environment of overtime.

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Key Moments and Turning Points

• The late-game surge: The Nuggets' ability to rally in the final minutes of regulation, preventing the Thunder from pulling away, was a key factor in their win.
• Overtime dominance: The Nuggets controlled the overtime period, effectively utilizing their size advantage and executing their plays with precision.
• Defensive intensity: Although both teams scored prolifically, crucial defensive stops in the final minutes of regulation and overtime proved to be the difference maker.

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What's Next?

The Nuggets now hold a commanding 2-1 series lead heading back to Oklahoma City. The Thunder, despite their loss, demonstrated their resilience and potential. The series is far from over, and Game 4 promises to be another electrifying showdown. With the series shifting back to Oklahoma City, the Thunder will have a chance to even things up in front of their home crowd. The next game will undoubtedly test the mettle of both teams. The question remains: Can the Thunder overcome the Nuggets' powerful offensive duo and even the series, or will the Nuggets solidify their playoff dominance and advance further? Only time will tell. Expect another high-scoring, closely-fought battle as the series heads back to Chesapeake Energy Arena.