Nuggets Shock No. 1 Seed Thunder: Jokić Dominates with 42 Points in Thrilling NBA Playoff Finale!

Nikola Jokić delivered an incredible performance with 42 points and 22 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Aaron Gordon sealed the win with a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds, helping the Nuggets steal Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-final series.

With no timeouts left, the Thunder missed a desperate shot as the clock ran out. This game marked a notable moment for Russell Westbrook, who, in his first playoff game against his former team, assisted on Gordon’s game-winning shot.

Gordon finished strong with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 21 points for the Nuggets. The team had just come off a hard-fought seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, and this win was a sweet start to their next challenge. The Nuggets capitalized when Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s rising star, missed two crucial free throws while leading by one point.

“When I shot it, did I know it was in? I knew it wasn’t a miss,” Gordon said after the game, reflecting his confidence in clutch situations. His prior highlight was a buzzer-beating dunk in the previous round against the Clippers.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. With a week off after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City was eager to get back on the court. Alex Caruso contributed 20 points and played a pivotal role defensively with 5 steals.

However, the game wasn’t without its tensions. Jokić faced a challenging third quarter, picking up three fouls in just two minutes. He stayed aggressive, helping the Nuggets close the gap to just five points by the end of the quarter. A pivotal moment occurred when he was assessed a flagrant foul after elbowing Lu Dort while driving to the hoop. This foul marked his fifth, putting him in a precarious position for the remainder of the game.

In a broader context, the resiliency shown by the Nuggets highlights a trend observed in the NBA playoffs. According to recent statistics, teams that secure narrow victories in playoff games often build momentum for future matchups. This year’s playoffs have shown that every point counts, as teams like the Nuggets demonstrate the value of tenacity in high-pressure situations.

The excitement around Game 1 and its dramatic ending has set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying series. As fans turn to social media, reactions have poured in, celebrating the thrilling nature of playoff basketball. Many are closely following the trajectories of both teams as they vie for a championship. This comeback victory for the Nuggets is a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that the NBA playoffs bring.

For more insights on the NBA playoffs and to follow thrilling moments, check out [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/05/nba-playoffs-knicks-celtics).

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