The Denver Nuggets took a crucial 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals after a hard-fought 113-104 overtime win in Game 3. But despite the victory, Nikola Jokic was his own harshest critic, admitting that his performance fell far below expectations.
The showdown at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday night was nothing short of a playoff classic. It featured relentless competition with 15 lead changes and 12 tied scores throughout regulation. Neither team managed to pull away with a double-digit lead, with both sides only reaching a maximum advantage of 9 points at different stages of the contest.
In the final minute of the fourth quarter, the Thunder held a slim two-point lead and looked poised to steal a win on the road. However, the Nuggets refused to give in. A clutch three-pointer from Aaron Gordon tied the game and reignited the home crowd. With that, Denver forced the game into overtime.
Defensively Pattern from Nuggets
Once the game entered the extra period, the momentum clearly shifted in favor of the home side. The Nuggets locked in defensively, limiting the Thunder to just two points in overtime. Offensively, Denver capitalized on their rhythm and composure, converting 5 of 7 shot attempts to secure the win.
Nikola Jokic, known for his consistency and dominance, finished with a double-double—20 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, along with 2 steals and 2 blocks. However, his night was marred by 8 turnovers, more than half of Denver’s 14 total. His shooting also faltered, connecting on just 8 of 25 field goal attempts and missing all 10 of his three-point tries.
“It was a rough night. I’m sure he’s frustrated,” said Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman after the game. “When you’re one of the most efficient players in the entire sport, games like this hit harder. But Nikola still found ways to impact the game when it mattered.”
Indeed, Jokic acknowledged his shooting woes and credited Oklahoma City’s defense for the pressure. Despite playing 43 minutes, he couldn’t find his usual offensive rhythm, and the Serbian star was candid in his postgame remarks.
“To be honest, I felt like the worst player on the floor tonight,” Jokic stated bluntly. “But we won, and that’s what matters in the end.”
The Presence of Jokic Show Great Focus on Him
While Jokic’s shot wasn’t falling, his presence and influence on both ends of the court were vital. The three-time NBA MVP emphasized his focus on physical play, solid screens, and his contributions in key defensive sequences—especially in the fourth quarter and overtime.
“I tried to be physical, to set strong screens, and take shots when I was open,” Jokic explained. “But defensively, especially in the final quarter and overtime, we stepped up. I think that’s the real reason we pulled this off.”
Fortunately for Denver, Jokic had plenty of help from his teammates. Jamal Murray delivered an inspiring performance with 27 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, displaying leadership and poise under pressure. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, hitting key shots to keep Denver in the game. Aaron Gordon was also pivotal, scoring 22 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. His three-pointer in the dying moments of regulation was the shot that turned the tide.
With the series now in Denver’s favor at 2-1, the pressure mounts on the Thunder heading into Game 4. But for the Nuggets, even on nights when their superstar isn’t firing on all cylinders, the team continues to find ways to win—a hallmark of championship-caliber squads.
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