NBA Playoffs: Nuggets force game 7 with a dramatic comeback
Denver Nuggets staved off elimination in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, defeating Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 in Game 6 Thursday night to force a decisive Game 7. Denver mounted a comeback after trailing by double digits in the third quarter.
Denver Nuggets kept their NBA playoff run alive on Thursday night, securing a crucial 119-107 victory over Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of their Western Conference Semifinals series. The win forces a decisive Game 7, with a berth in the conference finals on the line. Denver had their backs against the wall but overcame a late third-quarter deficit. The Thunder held a 10-point lead with just under two minutes left in the period, but the Nuggets responded with a swift "flurry of baskets" to mount a comeback and take control. Oklahoma City's offense then reportedly went "cold from the floor" in the final quarter, allowing Denver to pull away.
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Key players stepped up for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray, who was questionable ahead of the game due to an illness, "willed Denver to victory" with a performance of 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Nikola Jokić added a strong double-double-like stat line of 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Christian Braun also contributed significantly with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Julian Strawther was highlighted as an "X-factor" off the bench, scoring 15 points, including two important three-pointers to close out the third quarter.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led their scoring effort with 32 points and six assists but reportedly battled foul trouble during the game. Chet Holmgren recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds. However, Jalen Williams struggled significantly in Game 6, scoring only six points on 3-for-16 shooting, with the article noting he "can’t afford another game like that" if the Thunder hope to advance.
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The win provides some much-needed rest for the Nuggets, marking the first time in over two weeks they will have more than one day off between games. However, there is concern regarding the health of Aaron Gordon, who reportedly grabbed his hamstring late in Game 6, with the concern level described as "high" for Sunday.
The series is now tied 3-3, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference Finals. The decisive Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday in Oklahoma City.
