In a pivotal Game 3, Nikola Jokic struggled offensively, scoring 20 points on 8-of-25 shooting and committing eight turnovers. Despite his tough night, the Nuggets defeated the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime, thanks in part to strong performances from Jamal Murray (27 points), Aaron Gordon (22 points), and Michael Porter Jr. (21 points). Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also had an off night, scoring 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting. The Nuggets rallied with a 14-2 run to secure the win, highlighting their teamwork and resilience despite Jokic’s subpar performance.
DENVER — Following another missed jump shot, this one a potential game-winner at the end of regulation, Nikola Jokic sank into a seat on the Nuggets’ bench, bellowing toward the rafters of Ball Arena.
Jokic faced one of his toughest offensive nights during Friday’s crucial Game 3, finishing with just 20 points on 8-of-25 shooting, failing to convert any of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc, and tying a playoff career high with eight turnovers.
Nevertheless, the struggles of the three-time MVP did not cost the team. The Nuggets secured a 113-104 overtime victory against the number-one seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving Jokic feeling more grateful than disappointed.
“To be honest, I was the worst player on the court tonight,” Jokic stated, marking the first instance of a player going 0-of-10 from 3-point range and recording at least eight turnovers in a game, per ESPN Research. “But we won the game, and that’s what matters most.”
Jokic’s driving layup on the first possession of overtime gave the Nuggets the advantage they would not relinquish. The Thunder managed only two points during the extra period as the Nuggets intensified their defensive play.
Oklahoma City’s star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—considered the frontrunner for this season’s MVP over Jokic—also experienced a subpar shooting night. He scored 18 points while shooting 7-of-22, including a dismal 1-of-8 in the final quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander did not attempt a shot in overtime.
“As the game slows down, execution becomes critical,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked. “In those moments, it typically hinges on your star players to make shots. I didn’t perform well enough tonight, and that’s likely the primary reason for the outcome.”
Thunder forward Jalen Williams, a supporting player for Gilgeous-Alexander, tallied a career-playoff-best 32 points, half of which came in the fourth quarter. This included a significant 3-pointer that gave Oklahoma City a lead with 1:50 remaining in regulation and a pair of free throws afterwards that extended the lead to three.
However, Denver surged back with a remarkable 14-2 run, initiated by power forward Aaron Gordon sinking a game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left. This marked his third game-tying or go-ahead shot in the last 30 seconds of a quarter in these playoffs, including the decisive 3-pointer in Game 1 of this series.
“AG is always prepared for such moments,” noted Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray.
Murray, Gordon, and small forward Michael Porter Jr.—the only starters remaining from last season’s championship squad besides Jokic—stepped up tremendously, allowing Denver to secure a win despite Jokic’s off night.
“Although I was frustrated, I focused on staying engaged and contributing,” said Jokic, who contributed 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. “Nights like this happen. My teammates supported me through it.”
Murray finished with 27 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals, with multiple teammates highlighting his defensive prowess as crucial during Denver’s late-game dominance. Gordon added 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Porter, despite battling a left shoulder injury making it hard to lift his arm, managed 21 points and 8 rebounds. Collectively, they shot 11-of-17 from 3-point range, compensating for Jokic’s shooting woes beyond the arc.
“This is growth—significant growth for our team,” said Gordon. “Many players stepped up. Our performance illustrates our unity, and that’s how we’ve always played. We require everyone on this team.”
Gilgeous-Alexander left the arena looking forward to Saturday’s film review, hoping to find solutions against a defense that restricted his options.
According to ESPN Research, 18 of Gilgeous-Alexander’s 22 shot attempts were contested. He shot 4-of-18 from the floor during half-court sequences, including 3-of-10 when defended by Christian Braun. He made 3-of-5 free throws as the Nuggets routinely denied him openings.
Gilgeous-Alexander attempted to act as a facilitator, notching 24 potential assists—a playoff career high—but his teammates converted only seven of those opportunities. He acknowledged he might have rushed some shots during the fourth quarter while Williams was in rhythm.
“Honestly, you either succeed or fail based on your choices, and tonight my choices failed me,” Gilgeous-Alexander reflected. “That’s part of the game. I’ve been in positions where I made difficult shots and received praise afterward, but I’m prepared to take the blame when I miss the right shot or play. It’s part of the game; it comes with the role.”
As Gilgeous-Alexander departed the court following the defeat, he wore a broad smile, attributing it to the playful taunts from Nuggets fans.
“I never want them to see me as defeated or upset,” he shared. “Nothing is set in stone. The series isn’t over, and there’s plenty to feel optimistic about. I didn’t play up to my standard in the clutch, but I have the chance in the next game and the ones that follow to redeem myself.”