Nuggets Edge Thunder in Game 3: 5 Key Takeaways.

Nuggets Edge Thunder in Game 3: 5 Key Takeaways.

Thunder-Nuggets Game 3: 5 Takeaways as Denver’s Other Stars Step Up in Overtime Win.
                    On May 9, 2025, the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling 113-104 overtime victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Ball Arena, seizing a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series.

Despite subpar performances from MVP finalists Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s supporting cast, led by Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, rose to the occasion. This article delves into five key takeaways from the Nuggets’ clutch performance, analyzing how Denver’s depth, defensive adjustments, and late-game poise overcame the Thunder’s regular-season dominance. With Game 4 looming on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, these insights highlight the shifting dynamics of this high-stakes playoff matchup.

1. Aaron Gordon’s Clutch Heroics Define Denver’s Resilience

Aaron Gordon emerged as the game’s defining figure, delivering a clutch 3-pointer with 26.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. This shot, which tied the game at 102, was Gordon’s third game-altering play of the 2025 playoffs, following a buzzer-beating dunk against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round and a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 1 against the Thunder. Gordon finished with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting (4-of-6 from three), eight rebounds, and five assists in 39 minutes, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure.

Gordon’s transformation into a reliable perimeter shooter—hitting a career-high 43.6% from three during the regular season—has been a game-changer for Denver. His ability to capitalize on open looks, particularly when Oklahoma City’s defense collapsed on Jokić or Murray, stretched the Thunder’s top-ranked defense thin. Posts on X praised Gordon’s preparation, with teammate Michael Porter Jr. noting, “AG must got the angels with him,” and Murray crediting his relentless work ethic. This clutch performance underscores Gordon’s evolution from a dunking forward to a multifaceted playoff star, a critical factor in Denver’s ability to steal momentum at home.

The Thunder’s failure to close out regulation, particularly after leading by three with 28 seconds left, exposed their relative inexperience in high-pressure moments. Gordon’s shot not only forced overtime but also shifted the psychological edge to Denver, who dominated the extra frame with a 14-2 run. As Nuggets interim coach David Adelman remarked, “We never let go of the rope,” highlighting the team’s championship pedigree. For Oklahoma City, defending Gordon without compromising their schemes against Jokić and Murray will be a priority in Game 4.

2. Jamal Murray’s Endurance and Defensive Grit Anchor Denver

Jamal Murray played a game-high 48 minutes, delivering 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting, eight assists, four steals, and just two turnovers. His defensive assignment on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly notable, as he and Christian Braun limited the Thunder star to 7-of-22 shooting and a scoreless overtime. Murray’s strip of Jalen Williams in overtime, leading to a breakaway layup that extended Denver’s lead to seven, was a pivotal moment that showcased his two-way impact.

Despite a lingering shoulder injury that hampered him in Games 1 and 2, Murray thrived in Denver’s home environment. His ability to conserve energy while guarding Gilgeous-Alexander and still contribute offensively was remarkable. Murray’s 25-foot step-back 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and his facilitation of Denver’s balanced attack (four starters scored 20-plus points) kept the Nuggets competitive during Jokić’s off night.

Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort, known for his tenacious defense, had previously disrupted Murray, holding him to 4-of-12 shooting when guarded in the series’ first two games. However, Murray’s off-ball movement and creative use of screens in Game 3 allowed him to find better looks. His endurance and poise under pressure reflect Denver’s championship experience, contrasting with the Thunder’s struggles to execute in crunch time. Murray’s performance sets a high bar for Game 4, where his ability to navigate Dort’s defense will remain critical.

3. Nikola Jokić’s Struggles Offset by Team Effort

Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP and 2025 finalist, had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night, going 8-of-25 from the field and 0-of-10 from three for 20 points, though he added 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. His eight turnovers and defensive lapses, particularly against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, contributed to Denver’s early deficit. Despite these struggles, Denver’s supporting cast ensured the Nuggets didn’t collapse, a testament to their depth and resilience.

Jokić’s impact extended beyond scoring, as his playmaking and rebounding kept Denver in the game. His layup to open overtime sparked a 7-0 run, and his presence in the paint forced Oklahoma City to adjust their defensive alignments, creating opportunities for Gordon and Porter. However, the Thunder’s strategy of throwing multiple bigs—Holmgren, Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams—at Jokić disrupted his rhythm, a tactic that has proven effective in this series.

For Denver to maintain their series lead, Jokić must regain his offensive efficiency. His 2-for-10 performance from three in Game 2 and 0-for-10 in Game 3 highlight a concerning trend, as Oklahoma City’s length and physicality have limited his outside shooting. The Nuggets’ ability to win despite Jokić’s off night speaks to their championship DNA, but they’ll need their star to rebound in Game 4 to counter the Thunder’s inevitable adjustments.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Late-Game Fade Costs Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s leading scorer and a 2025 MVP finalist, started strong but faltered in the clutch, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 1-of-8 in the fourth quarter and failed to attempt a shot in overtime, a stark contrast to his 34-point, 11-of-13 performance in Game 2. His inability to deliver in the game’s final stages, coupled with Denver’s defensive pressure from Murray and Braun, swung the momentum decisively.

The Thunder’s offense stagnated late, shooting 38.5% from the field and 25.7% (9-of-35) from three as a team. Gilgeous-Alexander’s reliance on contested mid-range shots, rather than facilitating for teammates like Jalen Williams (32 points) or Chet Holmgren (18 points, 16 rebounds), reflected Oklahoma City’s inexperience. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the team’s growth process, stating, “We are in the process of becoming a great team, and we’ve checked a lot of boxes in that process.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s five free-throw attempts, limited by Braun’s disciplined defense, underscored Denver’s success in neutralizing his ability to draw contact. For Oklahoma City to regain control in Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander must attack more decisively and leverage his playmaking to exploit Denver’s defense, which has struggled against his transition scoring in prior games. His postgame optimism—“The series is not over. I have an opportunity the next game”—suggests confidence, but execution will be key.

5. Denver’s Depth and Home-Court Advantage Prove Decisive

Denver’s balanced scoring, with four starters (Murray, Gordon, Porter, and Jokić) reaching 20-plus points, highlighted their depth and ability to adapt when their star struggled. Michael Porter Jr., overcoming a shoulder injury, added 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three, while Christian Braun contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds. This collective effort contrasted with Oklahoma City’s reliance on Williams and Holmgren, as their bench and role players failed to match Denver’s intensity.

The Nuggets’ home crowd at Ball Arena played a significant role, energizing the team during their comeback from a 56-51 halftime deficit. Denver’s 12-of-28 (42.9%) 3-point shooting, compared to Oklahoma City’s 9-of-35 (25.7%), was a critical factor, with Porter and Gordon exploiting open looks. The Thunder’s 54-49 rebounding edge and 19 more field-goal attempts (104-85) were negated by their poor shooting and 11 turnovers, which Denver converted into 14 points.

Oklahoma City’s regular-season dominance (68-14) and top-ranked defense were tested by Denver’s championship experience and home-court advantage. The Nuggets’ ability to force overtime and dominate the extra frame with a 14-2 run showcased their poise, a quality the Thunder have yet to consistently match in this series. However, Oklahoma City’s 5-0 road record in their last 10 games suggests they remain a threat, particularly if they improve their shooting and late-game execution.

Game 3 Context and Series Outlook

The series, tied 1-1 entering Game 3, saw Oklahoma City rebound from a stunning Game 1 loss (121-119, sealed by Gordon’s 3-pointer) with a record-breaking 149-106 blowout in Game 2, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points. Denver’s Game 3 response, despite Jokić’s struggles, reaffirmed their ability to compete with the top-seeded Thunder, who posted the second-best net rating (12.8) in NBA history during the regular season.

BetMGM’s odds for Game 3 favored the Thunder (-225 moneyline, -5.5 spread), reflecting their momentum and 9-1 record in their last 10 games. However, Denver’s +5.5 spread cover and the game’s total falling under 232.5 points aligned with the Nuggets’ home resilience and the Thunder’s defensive prowess. The Thunder’s failure to cover in three of their last four games and Denver’s 3-1 straight-up record at Ball Arena in the playoffs bolstered the case for a Nuggets upset.

Looking ahead to Game 4, Denver’s depth and home-court advantage give them an edge, but Oklahoma City’s youth, speed, and defensive versatility remain formidable. The Thunder must address their fourth-quarter stagnation and Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game decision-making to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. Denver, meanwhile, needs Jokić to rediscover his shooting touch and Murray to sustain his two-way excellence against Dort’s defense.

Strategic Implications and Adjustments

For Denver, maintaining their 3-point shooting efficiency (47.8% in Game 3) and leveraging Gordon’s versatility will be crucial. The Nuggets’ ability to limit Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw attempts and force turnovers (11 in Game 3) must continue, as Oklahoma City thrives in transition, averaging 28.5 points off turnovers in the series. Denver’s zone defense, which disrupted the Thunder’s rhythm in Game 3, could be a staple moving forward.

Oklahoma City’s adjustments will likely focus on improving their 3-point shooting (25.7% in Game 3) and reducing isolation plays in crunch time. Holmgren and Hartenstein’s dominance on the boards (54-49 edge) and ability to challenge Jokić defensively provide a blueprint, but the Thunder need more from role players like Lu Dort (3-ofaccessed their defensive versatility to counter Denver’s balanced attack. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to attack the rim and draw fouls, as he did in Game 2, will be critical to regaining offensive rhythm.

Broader Context: MVP Race and Playoff Narrative

The matchup between Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander, the top two presumptive MVP vote-getters, adds a layer of intrigue to this series. While the MVP award is a regular-season honor, their playoff performances are shaping perceptions of their value. Jokić’s struggles in Games 2 and 3 contrast with his historic 42-point, 22-rebound Game 1, while Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 2 dominance was overshadowed by his Game 3 fade. This series, the first between top-two MVP candidates since 2017, is a referendum on their leadership and clutch ability.

Denver’s championship experience, honed during their 2023 title run, gives them an edge in tight games, as evidenced by their 15-4 run to close Game 1 and 14-2 run in Game 3’s overtime. Oklahoma City’s youth and inexperience, despite their 68-14 regular-season record, have been exposed in clutch moments, a concern raised after their Game 1 collapse. The Thunder’s ability to learn from these setbacks, as Daigneault emphasized, will determine their ceiling in this series and beyond.

The Denver Nuggets’ 113-104 overtime win in Game 3 showcased their depth, resilience, and championship poise, with Aaron Gordon’s clutch 3-pointer and Jamal Murray’s two-way excellence overcoming Nikola Jokić’s off night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game struggles and Oklahoma City’s poor shooting highlighted their inexperience, despite a valiant effort from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Denver’s balanced attack, home-court advantage, and defensive adjustments secured a 2-1 series lead, but the Thunder’s regular-season dominance and road prowess suggest a fierce Game 4 battle.

As the series progresses, Denver must sustain their 3-point shooting and defensive intensity, while Oklahoma City needs Gilgeous-Alexander to rediscover his scoring touch and the team to execute better in crunch time. With both teams showcasing elite talent and contrasting styles—Denver’s veteran savvy versus Oklahoma City’s youthful swarm—this series promises more thrilling moments. Game 4 will be a pivotal test of whether the Nuggets can solidify their control or if the Thunder can reclaim momentum on the road.