Nuggets Surge in Fourth to Force Pivotal Game 7 in Oklahoma City
What a night it was in Denver! The Nuggets came through when it mattered most, delivering a high-energy, clutch performance in Game 6 to keep their playoff hopes alive. After a couple of disappointing collapses in Games 4 and 5, where they let go of solid fourth-quarter leads, the Nuggets flipped the script on Thursday night, sealing a 119-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and sending this Western Conference semifinal series to a winner-take-all Game 7.
Denver entered the fourth quarter up 90-82, but this time, unlike previous games, they didn’t falter. What made this win especially impressive was the balanced contribution across the board—not everything was riding on Nikola Jokić. Sure, the three-time MVP had another standout night with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it was the performance of others that turned the tide.
Let’s talk about Jamal Murray for a moment. He was battling an illness so serious that his status was uncertain just hours before tipoff. But true to his reputation, Murray showed up in a big way. He scored 25 points and added 8 rebounds and 7 assists. His early energy, including a four-point play to open the scoring, set the tone for the Nuggets. And despite cooling off in the second quarter, he came back strong in the third, leading a critical 32-21 run that gave Denver control.
Then there was Julian Strawther. A name we haven’t heard a ton this postseason, but he absolutely earned the spotlight last night. Strawther sparked the Nuggets’ rally late in the third quarter with back-to-back threes, helping push Denver into a lead they never surrendered. He ended with 15 points, hitting 3-of-4 from deep, and played key minutes deep into the fourth. He showed poise and hustle on both ends of the floor, proving he can handle playoff pressure.
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Christian Braun also stepped up, dropping 23 points with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Michael Porter Jr. chipped in an efficient 10, and the entire starting unit found ways to contribute. Denver won this game by committee—and that’s exactly what they needed.
Coach David Adelman made some bold calls, too. He gave Jokić a break to start the fourth, a move that backfired in Game 5, but this time the bench held strong. By the time Jokić re-entered, the lead had grown, giving him a chance to close things out with fresh legs. Adelman admitted he learned from the previous loss and trusted his players to “hold water”—and they did just that.
Now, all eyes turn to Oklahoma City for Sunday’s Game 7. This will be Denver’s third straight series that’s gone the distance, but it’s the first time Jokić and Murray will face a Game 7 on the road. Their record? Four wins in six Game 7s together. They’ve been here before—and they know what it takes.
Aaron Gordon is the only concern after tweaking his hamstring late in the game. His availability for Sunday remains uncertain, but he says he’s starting the recovery process immediately.
The Thunder? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another strong showing with 32 points, but his supporting cast struggled from deep. OKC shot just 27.5% from three, and they were out-rebounded 52-40—a stat that defined the game.
It’s all on the line now. One game to decide who moves on to face the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Sunday, 3:30 PM ET. Game 7. Let’s go.
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