Thunder vs Nuggets Game 1 Recap

The Denver Nuggets stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs by a score of 121-119.

It seemed Oklahoma City had control of the game with a 13-point lead in the 4th quarter, but they would blow this and let Denver back into the game. Denver would go on a 19-6 run to close the game.

Chet Holmgren had a chance to seal the game with a pair of free throws. Holmgren would miss both with 9 seconds remaining. This led to Aaron Gordon hitting a game winning 3-pointer with 9 seconds left to help the Nuggets steal Game 1 on the road.

Jokic and Gordon dominate

MVP candidate Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a monstrous performance. Jokic notched 42 points, 22 rebounds and 6 assists. Oklahoma City did not have an answer for the 7-footer.

Gordon’s heroics in the playoffs continue. He had 22 points and 14 rebounds on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.

This is Gordon’s second game winner of the playoffs, adding onto his last second put back dunk against the LA Clippers in the first round.

Gordon stated that he would do whatever he can to help his 17-year veteran teammate Russell Westbrook win his first championship ring. It was fitting that Gordon’s game winner came on an assist from Westbrook.

In order to reach that elusive first championship, Westbrook must go through his former team in the Thunder. He received a standing ovation from the Oklahoma City crowd, as he put up 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

Jamal Murray struggled from the field, as he shot 6-for-16 from the field. He was able to get to the free throw line though, scoring 7 points from the stripe. He ended the night with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Thunder collapse

For Oklahoma City, it will be back to the drawing board as they wonder what went wrong in Game 1.

The Thunder led this game by as much as 14 heading into halftime.

Oklahoma City has been the best team in the league all season, but the playoffs are a whole other animal. The Thunder’s inexperience against premier teams in the a playoff setting showed in this game

MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an all-around performance. Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.

The Thunder received scoring from an unlikely source in Alex Caruso. Caruso had 20 points and 6 assists. He was a pest on defense all night as he grabbed 5 steals.

Jalen Williams had an extremely underwhelming night. He scored 16 points, but struggled from the field on just 5-for-20 shooting. Williams is Oklahoma City’s second scoring option and he will need to step up to give the Thunder a chance this series.

Holmgren put up 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. He will have the daunting task of guarding Jokic this series and Game 1 was not an ideal start.

Oklahoma City will have a chance to redeem themselves and tie the series at home against Denver in Game 2 on Wednesday.

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