Nikola Jokic show stuns Oklahoma City Thunder as Denver Nuggets win game 1

It was a superlative performance by Nikola Jokic as the Denver Nuggets secured a 121-119 comeback victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-final series. Jokic scored 42 points and Aaron Gordon hit the crucial three-pointer in the final seconds to ensure Nuggets takes the game. The Thunder were the top seed in the series.

Russell Westbrook assisted on Gordon's game-winner in his first playoff game in Oklahoma City as an opposing player, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the top scorer for the Thunder with 33 points. The Nuggets overcame a late deficit after Chet Holmgren missed two free throws, sealing the win and stunning the top-seeded Thunder.

Along with the 42 points, Jokic also contributed with 22 rebounds in the game.


Gordon finished the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jamal Murray added 21 points for Denver.

The Nuggets, seeded fourth, entered the game after concluding a seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Oklahoma City had not played for over a week, following their sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

Denver's opportunity arose after Chet Holmgren of Oklahoma City missed two free throws with the Thunder holding a one-point lead.

Gordon had a buzzer-beater dunk in Denver’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists for the Thunder. Alex Caruso added 20 points, six assists, and five steals.

Jokic accumulated three fouls in a two-minute span during the third quarter, after having only one foul in the first half. He remained in the game with the Thunder leading 73-64.

Denver reduced the deficit to 90-85 by the end of the third quarter.

With under seven minutes remaining and the Thunder leading 104-95, Jokić elbowed Lu Dort in the head during a drive. The play was reviewed, and Jokić was assessed a flagrant 1 foul – his fifth. Dort made both free throws.

Denver then spent the remainder of the game narrowing the gap.