Denver, Colorado — Aaron Gordon once again seized the moment, playing a pivotal role in the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Gordon nailed a crucial 3-pointer, leveling the score and propelling the game into overtime. The Nuggets then surged to a 113-104 victory, claiming a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals. This win came on the heels of a disappointing loss just two days prior, highlighting the team’s resilience.
In a different matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers ended their losing streak against the Indiana Pacers, winning 126-104. Donovan Mitchell starred in this game, scoring an impressive 43 points and helping to narrow Indiana’s series advantage to 2-1. The return of key players Darius Garland and Evan Mobley also bolstered Cleveland’s efforts, proving crucial in their first victory of the series.
During the Nuggets’ game, the Thunder employed a strong defensive strategy, limiting Nikola Jokić to just 20 points, a rare occurrence for the two-time MVP. Jamal Murray, however, rose to the occasion, contributing 27 points along with eight assists. Despite Jokić’s struggles, the Nuggets excelled in tight game situations, demonstrating their championship pedigree. Oklahoma City’s inability to execute effectively in crunch time contributed to their defeat in both close games of the series.
The overtime period was marked by a decisive 7-0 run from the Nuggets, establishing a lead that the Thunder could not overcome. Denver’s late-game performance, particularly their reliance on the dynamic duo of Murray and Jokić, underscored their tactical prowess, while Oklahoma City faltered in both regulation and overtime.
On the other side, Lu Dort faced challenges as he was tasked with defending Murray. Although Dort limited Murray’s effectiveness at times, he struggled significantly on offense, finishing with just three points and failing to connect on any of his four 3-point attempts. This decline in his shooting efficiency has become a troubling trend for the Thunder, potentially impacting their overall performance in this series.
In the Cavaliers’ contest, the atmosphere was markedly different. Cleveland showcased a spirited effort with no major absences, contrasting the ups and downs of prior games. Garland encountered some foul trouble but still added ten points, while Mobley played like a defensive stalwart, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
Despite a slow start, Indiana momentarily regained the lead in the second quarter, thanks in part to the offensive contributions of star players. However, Tyrese Haliburton, who had delivered a critical late-game shot in Game 2, struggled mightily, finishing with just four points, marking one of his lowest postseason performances to date. His earlier wrist injury seemed to contribute to his lackluster showing, raising concerns going forward.
The Pacers’ issues were compounded by their struggle on the boards. They were outmatched in the rebounding battle once more, tallying only four offensive rebounds compared to Cleveland’s significant advantage. This disparity resulted in a missed opportunity for the Pacers, who already had a difficult time finding their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc.
As the series progresses, both the Nuggets and Cavaliers appear poised to seize momentum, with each team looking to build on their recent successes. The ability to capitalize on opportunities and adapt on the fly will be critical as they navigate the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
