While Aaron Gordon may have hit the game-winner for the Denver Nuggets, it was Nikola Jokic who truly carried the team with a performance for the ages. The three-time NBA MVP put on a spectacular show in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, making history in the process.
Jokic tallied 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 42 minutes of play. He shot 15-of-25 from the field (60%) and made 10-of-13 from the free-throw line. His all-around dominance made him just the fifth player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single playoff game—joining the elite ranks of Wilt Chamberlain, George McGinnis, Shaquille O’Neal, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Leading a Fourth-Quarter Comeback
Jokic’s impact was most profound in the fourth quarter, where he dropped 18 of his 42 points, powering Denver’s comeback from a 14-point deficit. With just three minutes left in regulation, the Nuggets went on a 15-4 scoring run, including two clutch free throws from Jokic with 12 seconds remaining. That rally marked the first late-game playoff comeback of this scale since 2015.
Nikola Jokic Playoff Brilliance Continues
Jokic’s strong showing isn’t an isolated case. Through eight games in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, he’s averaging 26.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game. His versatility and consistency continue to anchor Denver’s playoff campaign and reinforce his MVP credentials.
MVP Rivalry: Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This series carries more weight than just a trip to the Western Conference Finals. It also features a thrilling MVP battle between Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)—two of the top contenders for the league’s highest individual honor in 2025.
In Game 1, SGA answered with a strong performance of his own: 33 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals in 39 minutes. He shot 12-of-26 from the field (46%) and played a central role in Oklahoma City’s offense.
SGA’s Consistency and Scoring Prowess
SGA has been one of the most consistent scorers this season. His Game 1 effort marked his third straight 30+ point game in the playoffs, and he also set a regular-season record with 60 consecutive games of scoring at least 20 points—including a career-high 54-point performance.
The MVP Race Tightens
Both Jokic and SGA were finalists in the 2024 MVP race, with Jokic winning and SGA finishing as runner-up. Now, with both players maintaining elite form in the playoffs, the competition remains intense. Game 1 served not only as a crucial series opener but also as a showcase of two of the NBA’s finest talents vying for individual and team glory.
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