Denver Nuggets Shock Oklahoma City Thunder, Win 121-119 in Game 1
The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference Semifinals at the Paycom Center on Monday. However, the Nuggets used a late comeback to defeat the Thunder 121-119 in regulation. Denver leads the series 1-0.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Recap
The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out Nikola Topic with a partially torn left ACL. Topic, 19, was selected by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Thunder’s starting lineup featured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Denver Nuggets ruled out Da’Ron Holmes II with a torn right ACL. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said Holmes II, 22, was able to participate in portions of Wednesday’s practice, per TheDNVR.com. The Nuggets’ starting lineup featured Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets opened the first-quarter scoring, but the Thunder quickly tied the game 2-2. The Nuggets led 15-12 at the first media timeout. The Thunder tied the game 24-24 and took a 26-24 lead before the Nuggets evened the score 26-26. The Thunder led 27-26 after the first quarter. The Thunder’s dominance opened the second-quarter scoring. The Nuggets’ offense appeared sluggish. The Thunder took a 60-50 lead into halftime.
Both teams shined in a back-and-forth third quarter. The Nuggets took a timeout after trailing the Thunder 67-54. The Nuggets’ offense picked up the pace and cut the Thunder’s lead to 90-81. The Thunder led 90-85 after three quarters. Both teams fought hard in the fourth quarter. Russell Westbrook kept the Nuggets’ offense in the zone. The Nuggets mustered a late comeback en route to a 121-119 win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Stat Lines
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 33 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Alex Caruso followed with 20 points, one rebound and six assists. Williams added 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dort had 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Hartenstein scored 12 points, nine rebounds, and one assist. Holmgren recorded 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Jokic led the Denver Nuggets with 42 points, 22 rebounds and six assists. Gordon followed with 22 points, 14 rebounds and one assist. Murray added 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. Westbrook had 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Braun scored 11 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies with a 117-115 win in Game 4 of the NBA’s Western Conference First Round at the FedExForum on Saturday. Oklahoma City eliminated Memphis 4-0. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
The Denver Nuggets blew out the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 in Game 7 of the First Round at Ball Arena on Saturday. Denver eliminated Los Angeles 4-3. Gordon led the Nuggets with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Thunder and Nuggets will meet again for Game 2 in the Paycom Center on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Central. Game 2 will be broadcast on TNT, truTV and MAX. The No. 4 seed Nuggets can defeat the No. 1 seed Thunder in Game 2 if the Nuggets’ rotation and depth makes do.
