Nuggets' Poor Start Costs Them Game 4: Thunder Tie NBA Playoffs Series 2-2

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Nuggets' Poor Start Costs Them Game 4: Thunder Tie NBA Playoffs Series 2-2

The Denver Nuggets' once-dominant playoff run hit a significant snag last night as they suffered a crushing 112-103 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4. This loss levels the Western Conference first-round series at 2-2, injecting a surprising dose of drama into a matchup many predicted would be a swift Nuggets victory. The decisive factor? A disastrous start for the Nuggets, a stark contrast to their previous performances.

A Slow Start Dooms Denver's Chances

The Thunder, fueled by an electrifying home crowd, came out swinging. They immediately established their dominance on the boards, outrebounding the Nuggets significantly in the first quarter. This translated to second-chance points and easy baskets, putting Denver on their heels from the opening tip. The Nuggets, meanwhile, appeared sluggish and disjointed, struggling to find their rhythm offensively. Their normally potent offense sputtered, plagued by missed shots and turnovers. This early deficit proved insurmountable, despite a valiant effort in the second half.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Masterclass

Oklahoma City's star point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered a virtuoso performance, leading the Thunder with 31 points, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability and clutch plays down the stretch. His consistent scoring kept the Nuggets at bay, preventing them from ever truly gaining momentum. He wasn't alone; the Thunder's supporting cast also played a crucial role, providing much-needed offensive firepower and unwavering defensive intensity. This cohesive team effort underscores the Thunder's improved playoff readiness.

Jokic's Struggle and Denver's Offensive Woes

Nikola Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, still managed a respectable performance, but he faced constant double-teams and found scoring opportunities harder to come by than in previous games. The Nuggets' reliance on Jokic became painfully apparent as their other offensive weapons failed to consistently deliver. The team's overall field goal percentage was significantly lower than their season average, highlighting their struggles to find effective scoring strategies against the Thunder's tenacious defense.

What's Next for the Nuggets?

The series shifts back to Denver for Game 5, where the Nuggets will need to rediscover their early-series dominance to avoid an upset. They must address their slow starts, improve their rebounding efforts, and find ways to generate more offensive production beyond Jokic. The Thunder, having proven their mettle, will arrive in Denver with renewed confidence, ready to challenge the Nuggets' home-court advantage.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of a strong start: The Nuggets' slow start in Game 4 proved to be their undoing.
• Gilgeous-Alexander's impact: His exceptional performance was pivotal in securing the Thunder's victory.
• Denver's offensive struggles: The team needs to improve their overall offensive efficiency and find more scoring options.
• Series momentum shift: The 2-2 tie dramatically changes the series dynamic, adding significant pressure on the Nuggets.
• Game 5 in Denver: A crucial game that will likely determine the series outcome.

The NBA Playoffs are known for their unpredictability, and this series is a perfect example. The Denver Nuggets face a crucial test, needing to regain their composure and dominant form to avoid a stunning first-round exit. The upcoming Game 5 promises to be a captivating clash, with the fate of the series hanging in the balance. The question remains: Can the Nuggets overcome their Game 4 shortcomings and reclaim their playoff momentum? Only time will tell.