Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — In a thrilling Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, Aaron Gordon’s last-second three-pointer propelled the Denver Nuggets to a 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking a stunning start to the series. Gordon’s heroics not only handed Denver the edge in this highly anticipated matchup but also sent shockwaves through a Thunder team that had dominated the regular season.

With just 2.8 seconds left on the clock, Gordon calmly sank the pivotal shot off a pass from Russell Westbrook, who continues to showcase his revitalized form in the postseason. The Nuggets, who previously faced the Los Angeles Clippers in a seven-game first-round series, proved that they are not to be underestimated, even against the top seed in the West.

The Thunder entered the game with significant momentum, having swept Memphis in the first round and enjoying a well-deserved break. However, they appeared to struggle with rhythm and conditioning, failing to maintain their usual pace. Oklahoma City, which secured 68 wins during the regular season, seemed to be less sharp, allowing Denver to seize control in crucial moments.

Despite Nikola Jokić facing double-teams from the Thunder’s towering defenders, he delivered an outstanding performance, racking up 42 points and 22 rebounds. Even with foul trouble hampering his play, Jokić’s resilience shone through as he dominated in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points. His ability to attack the paint rather than relying solely on outside shooting proved decisive.

The Nuggets’ shared leadership and championship experience displayed itself at critical junctures, with Gordon stepping up when it mattered most. Although they struggled with shooting, finishing with only 31% from beyond the arc, Denver’s ability to find ways to win has become a hallmark of their playoff run.

On the other side, the Thunder’s quest to assert their playoff dominance faced a significant test in this matchup. While the team has shown promise, their inexperience at this stage remains a concern. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates must overcome the psychological hurdles of not having advanced deep into the playoffs yet, which became evident during the frantic closing minutes of the game.

Russell Westbrook’s return to Oklahoma City only heightened the drama of the evening. An icon in the city, Westbrook was greeted with applause from the crowd, and he responded with energy and precision, scoring 18 points and energizing his teammates. His assist to Gordon for the game-winning basket exemplified his value as both a leader and a contributor.

The Nuggets face a challenging schedule ahead, playing every other night throughout the series. With a limited rotation, particularly in a time of the year when fatigue is common, the depth concerns for Denver could present challenges. Coach David Adelman will rely heavily on his core players, who may need to perform exceptionally to keep the momentum going.

Conversely, the Thunder aim to bounce back in Game 2, aware that they must address their defensive lapses that allowed Denver to capitalize on late-game opportunities. Oklahoma City’s strategy will need to refine as they prepare to face a Nuggets team that has momentarily cracked their perceived invincibility.

As the series progresses, both teams will be adjusting their tactics and lineups, making the anticipation for Game 2 palpable. With the Nuggets asserting themselves early, the pressure now shifts to the Thunder as they look to regroup and defend their home court.