Nuggets' Poor Start Leads To Game 4 Loss, 2-2 Tie Against Thunder In NBA Playoffs

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Post on May 13, 2025

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Nuggets' Poor Start Dooms Game 4, Series Tied 2-2 Against Thunder

The Denver Nuggets suffered a disappointing Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, tying their Western Conference first-round series at 2-2. A sluggish start and inability to contain the Thunder's offensive firepower ultimately proved decisive in the 124-116 defeat. The series now heads back to Denver for a pivotal Game 5, with both teams facing immense pressure.

A Slow Start Spells Trouble for the Nuggets

Denver's struggles were evident from the opening tip. The Thunder, fueled by the electrifying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, jumped out to an early double-digit lead, setting a tone the Nuggets couldn't overcome. Their normally potent offense sputtered, hampered by poor shot selection and a lack of defensive intensity. This early deficit forced the Nuggets to play catch-up for the remainder of the game, a strategy that ultimately proved unsustainable.

Gilgeous-Alexander's Dominance Fuels Thunder Comeback

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another masterful performance, showcasing his all-around talent with an impressive scoring output and crucial assists. His ability to penetrate the Nuggets' defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates proved insurmountable. The Thunder's supporting cast also contributed significantly, showcasing the team's depth and collective offensive firepower. This balanced scoring attack kept the Nuggets defense constantly on their heels.

Nuggets' Offensive Woes and Defensive Gaps

While Nikola Jokic continued his dominant performance, putting up another impressive stat line, the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent offensive support. The Nuggets' perimeter shooting remained inconsistent, and their overall offensive flow lacked the fluidity seen in previous games. Defensively, they failed to contain the Thunder's driving attacks and struggled to limit second-chance points. These weaknesses were ruthlessly exploited by the Thunder, contributing significantly to their victory.

Key Takeaways and Road Ahead

• The importance of a strong start: The Nuggets must address their slow starts immediately. Falling behind early puts immense pressure on their offense and wears down their defense.
• Defensive adjustments: Coach Malone needs to devise a strategy to better contain Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder's overall offensive attack. Improved defensive rebounding will also be crucial.
• Offensive consistency: The Nuggets need more consistent scoring from players beyond Jokic. Improved perimeter shooting and better ball movement will be key.

Game 5: A Must-Win for Both Teams

The series now shifts back to Denver for a crucial Game 5. The Nuggets will be looking to regain home-court advantage and avoid falling behind 3-2 in the series. For the Thunder, a victory in Denver would put them in a commanding position to advance to the next round. Expect an intense and highly competitive game with significant playoff implications. The pressure is on both teams, and the winner will gain a crucial psychological advantage heading into the potential final two games of this tightly contested series. The NBA Playoffs are delivering on their promise of thrilling matchups, and this series is a prime example. #NBAPlayoffs #Thunder #Nuggets #NBA

Keywords: Nuggets, Thunder, NBA Playoffs, Game 4, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Western Conference, series tied, playoff basketball, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA, basketball, sports news