In a historic match, the Denver Nuggets went to Oklahoma City Thunder this Monday (5) and, despite only a day of rest, they won the score of 121 to 119.
Led 14 points at certain times and with their last lead dating back to the first quarter, the Nuggets made an excellent second half and finished the last three minutes on a partial of 15 to 4. They only regained the advantage at the last shot, thanks to Aaron Gordonauthor of the decisive basket (Game-Winner) at three points.
Thus, the man of the match was the winger Gordon, who finished with 22 points and 14 reboundsdont 7 offensive. For his part, Nikola Jokic delivered a MVP level performance with 42 points, 22 rebounds and 6 assists. Finally, Russell Westbrookout of the bench, brought 18 points while Jamal Murray compiled 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 passes.
On the Thunder side, the star was Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderauthor of 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. However, Chet Holmgren et Jalen Green have experienced difficulties, combining a 10 out of 31 on shots for only 28 points. The Thunder was however able to count on a good service ofAlex Carusovery active on both sides of the field: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assistsas well as 5 interceptions and 2 counters.
Nuggets-Thunder : The match
The meeting started with an intensity worthy of the playoffs: the tension was palpable and the two teams struggled to score outside the racket. So, Jokic et Gordon distinguished themselves for Denver, while Shai held his team on OKC side.
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The only three-point successes from the first quarter were signed Murraywhich allowed the Nuggets to lead 20-16. Ensuite, Westbrook came into play and gave the gap to 24-26.
But some failed attacks were enough for the Thunder to react quickly, in particular thanks to 14 points de SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander). Helped by Chet Holmgrenthey resumed the lead and finished the quarter in mind 27 to 26despite a 0 of 10 to three points.
Sans Jokic On the field at the start of the second quarter, OKC took advantage of Denver’s offensive gaps to widen the gap. The Thunder notably scored Seven award -winning shots Faced with the defense in the opposing zone, bringing the brand to 54-41. However, the return of Jokicfaced with a weakened inner sector, made it possible to limit the breakage at halftime: 60-50 for OKC.
The third quarter was special. The Thunder relied almost exclusively on the three -point shot against the crowded racket of the Nuggets. When the shots returned, OKC resumed the advantage, but Denver took advantage of it as soon as the opponents forced external attempts, transforming these failures into counterattacks.
In defense, OKC was less rigorous, conceding many mistakes. Denver took the opportunity to attack painting and dominate in the offensive rebound, in particular thanks to Westbrook et Caruso. The quarter ended on a score of 90 to 85 for the Thunder.
In the last act, Jalen Williams shone, allowing the Thunder to resume ten points ahead (98-88). This advance remained stable for most of the quarter. But at the end of the match, the Nuggets tightened their defense on Shaiforcing his teammates to take responsibility, without success.
On the other side, Jokic chained free throws, then a three -point shot to bring Denver closer to 115-114. Despite some missed opportunities by Westbrook et Gordonthe free throwing game has intensified.
10 seconds from the end, Chet Holmgren failed two crucial throws. Westbrook captured the rebound, crossed the ground and served Aaron Gordonwho scored the three -point shot from the victory. Final score: 121 to 119 for nuggets.
Credit Photo: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
