Gordon’s Clutch Three Lifts Nuggets Over Thunder as Jokic Dominates in Game 1

Summary:

• The Denver Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon scored a game-winning three-pointer with 2.8 seconds left.
• The Nuggets sealed a 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with help from Nikola Jokic, who posted a historic performance.
• Thunder faltered late after leading by 11 with under five minutes remaining.

With just 2.8 seconds remaining, Aaron Gordon knocked down a corner three to lift the Denver Nuggets to a dramatic 121-119 win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

While Nikola Jokic put on an MVP-caliber performance Monday night, when the game hung in the balance, it was Gordon who delivered the ultimate blow.

Coach Adelman on Gordon: “He Is the Soul of Our Team”

Jokic led the way with a monster 42 points, 22 rebounds, and five assists, turning into the fourth player in NBA playoff history to reach the 40-20-5 mark.

Gordon said after the win

We just didn’t want to miss the moment, didn’t want to miss the opportunity. We knew that if we waited, it may be too late

However, the 6’8″ player who has, so far, proved to be a pillar of consistency in the postseason, added that while he was “glad” they were able to show their “mettle” and “grit”, they were not entirely satisfied.

Aaron Gordon’s heroics weren’t limited to the final shot. He finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds, adding key ball-handling and defensive contributions throughout the night.

It was also his second game-winner of the postseason, after slamming home a last-second dunk to beat the Clippers in Game 4 of the opening round.

Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said

Aaron’s going to be a hero again. But I’m also looking at 14 rebounds. I’m looking at 22 points. Looking at ball-handling responsibilities, leadership. He is a Denver Nugget, man. Like, he is the soul of our team.

Coach Daigneault: “It Didn’t Go Our Way Tonight”

Jamal Murray added 21 points for Denver, while Russell Westbrook, returning to Oklahoma City as a playoff opponent for the first time, delivered the assist on Gordon’s game-winning three.

The Thunder had control late, up 113-102 with just over four minutes left. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a stellar outing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but key mistakes down the stretch cost OKC.

Chet Holmgren missed two free throws with a one-point lead, and several late fouls allowed Denver to creep back in. Despite the collapse, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stood by the team’s approach.

It didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s worked out well for us in the past. We’ll continue to look at it and learn from it, but I don’t think that’s why we lost the game.

Denver never panicked, even after Jokic picked up his fifth foul on a flagrant elbow. Instead, they leaned on experience, poise, and Gordon’s clutch gene to steal Game 1.

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