Denver, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets produced a thrilling upset against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Monday night, thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Aaron Gordon with just 2.8 seconds remaining. Although the Thunder maintained a strong lead for much of the contest, the Nuggets rallied impressively in the game’s final moments, showcasing their resilience. Nikola Jokić dominated for Denver, finishing with an impressive 42 points and 22 rebounds.

The Thunder entered this round with momentum after a dominant sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with his shooting percentages in that series, he nonetheless led his team with an average of 27.8 points per game. The Thunder, aiming to reach their first conference finals since 2016, hoped to continue their winning ways.

The Nuggets, for their part, required all seven games to advance past the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. Jokić’s performance was pivotal, as he averaged a triple-double with 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists throughout that series. Jamal Murray provided crucial support, averaging 22.9 points per game. With this playoff run marking their sixth appearance in the last seven years, the Nuggets are adjusting under interim coach David Adelman, who stepped in just before the regular season ended. Remarkably, he has already recorded more postseason victories than regular season wins in his brief tenure.

Following the dramatic opener, the series schedule includes Game 2 on Wednesday evening, where anticipation is building for another intense battle. The matchup promises to be a test of wills, with both teams eager to assert themselves early in the series.

In terms of betting odds, the Thunder are favored by 11 points for Game 2, with an over/under set at 230.5. These figures reflect the expectations surrounding the top-seeded Thunder as they look to bounce back.

The Nuggets’ thrilling victory sets an engaging tone for this playoff series, emphasizing the unpredictability that postseason basketball often delivers. As the teams prepare for their next showdown, fans can expect an electric atmosphere, underscoring just how high the stakes have risen.