Every time you think they’re finished, they come roaring back. The Denver Nuggets proved once again why you simply can’t count them out. In a game that looked lost more than once, Denver showed the heart of a champion, storming back from a double-digit deficit to steal a pivotal win in dramatic fashion.
It wasn’t always pretty. For most of the night, the Nuggets looked a step slow, as the Oklahoma City Thunder came out firing on all cylinders. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was electric, scoring from all three levels and making Denver’s defense scramble on every possession. Chet Holmgren controlled the paint early, altering shots and anchoring OKC’s effort on both ends.
By the third quarter, Denver trailed by 17 points, and the energy inside Ball Arena had turned to concern. But just when it felt like the game was slipping away, the Nuggets flipped the switch — led, of course, by Nikola Jokić.
Jokić finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, leading the charge with his usual calm, surgical approach. Whether he was working out of the high post, finding cutters with pinpoint passes, or bullying his way to the rim, Jokić once again reminded the league why he’s the best big man in basketball. But he wasn’t alone.
Jamal Murray, who had struggled for much of the night, came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 straight points in a stretch that completely changed the momentum. Michael Porter Jr. knocked down two huge threes late, and Aaron Gordon’s defense and rebounding gave Denver the edge in crunch time.
But it wasn’t just talent — it was poise. The Nuggets stayed composed when it mattered most, turning up their intensity without panicking. Their experience as defending champions showed in every possession, especially in the game’s final minutes.
Head coach Michael Malone praised his team’s resilience after the win. “This group has been through the fire,” Malone said. “We don’t flinch. We’ve been down before, and we’ve come back. That’s who we are.”
The win sends a strong message not only to the Thunder, but to the rest of the NBA: never count Denver out. No matter the deficit, no matter the situation, this team believes in itself. That belief, combined with elite execution and leadership from Jokić, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the postseason.
On the other side, the Thunder will be kicking themselves for letting this one slip. They played a brilliant three quarters, but the lights got a little too bright in the final stretch. That said, OKC has the talent and maturity to bounce back, and this series is far from over.
Still, on this night, the Nuggets reminded us all why you can’t relax for even a second when you’re playing them. Down 17? Clock ticking? Doesn’t matter. When you’ve got Nikola Jokić, battle-tested teammates, and championship DNA, you’re never out of it.
One thing’s for sure — this series is must-watch TV. 🍿
