Aaron Gordon’s Last-Second 3-Pointer Caps Jokic’s Historic Performance in Nuggets’ 121-119 Win Over Thunder
Nikola Jokic demonstrated why he’s once again a finalist for the MVP award with a stunning performance, posting a historic stat line. However, when Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals was on the line, it was Aaron Gordon who came through for the Denver Nuggets.
With just 2.8 seconds remaining, Gordon hit a crucial 3-pointer, capping off Jokic’s 42-point, 22-rebound effort and securing a dramatic 121-119 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. It was a victory reminiscent of a championship-caliber team, one that had won the NBA title just two years ago.
“We didn’t want to miss the moment, didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” Gordon said. “We knew if we waited, it might be too late. I’m glad we showed our mettle, our grit, but we’re not satisfied.”
Gordon’s game-winner marked his second in the playoffs, after his dunk on a missed Jokic shot lifted the Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round series.
But Gordon’s contributions went beyond the game-winning shot. Denver interim coach David Adelman highlighted his all-around performance, stating, “Aaron’s going to be a hero again, but I’m also looking at 14 rebounds, 22 points, his ball-handling, and leadership. He is the soul of our team. It’s amazing to see him deliver in two moments no one will forget.”
Jokic made history by becoming just the fourth player to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game. Meanwhile, Denver’s Russell Westbrook, who began his career with the Thunder, assisted on Gordon’s game-winning shot. This was his first playoff game in Oklahoma City as an opposing player.
Jamal Murray also contributed with 21 points for the fourth-seeded Nuggets, who stole the opener after a grueling seven-game series against the Clippers.
The Nuggets got their chance after Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren missed two crucial free throws with the Thunder leading by a point. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another MVP finalist, posted 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Alex Caruso added 20 points, six assists, and five steals.
Jokic faced some adversity during the game, picking up three fouls in a brief two-minute stretch in the third quarter, after committing just one foul in the first half. Despite the fouls, Jokic remained in the game as the Thunder led 73-64. The Nuggets managed to narrow the gap to 90-85 by the end of the third quarter.
With just under seven minutes left and the Thunder leading 104-95, Jokic was assessed a flagrant 1 foul after elbowing Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort in the head. Despite this, the Nuggets remained composed, taking advantage of intentional fouls by the Thunder in the final moments of the game and converting all four free throws in the last 12.9 seconds.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault defended the strategy, saying, “It didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s worked out well for us in the past. We’ll continue to look at it and learn from it, but I don’t think that’s why we lost the game.”
Oklahoma City held a 113-102 lead with 4:31 left, but the Thunder, known for their strong closing abilities, faltered under pressure against the veteran Nuggets. Denver closed the game with poise and execution, ultimately securing the thrilling win.
“We never felt like anybody wavered,” Adelman reflected. “And that doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game, but we all know in the NBA playoffs, these games are so long. You just try to give yourself a chance. We did that.”
