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The Denver Nuggets aren’t ready to go home yet. They defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 on Thursday night, pushing their second-round playoff series to a thrilling Game 7. Despite battling illness, Jamal Murray led the charge alongside Nikola Jokic in a determined team effort.
Murray Powers Through Illness to Lift Denver
Jamal Murray wasn’t even certain to play due to illness. But when the ball tipped, he showed no signs of slowing down. Murray opened the game with a four-point play that lit up the crowd and energized his teammates. He finished with 25 gritty points, including a huge step-back three to start the fourth quarter, giving the Nuggets their first double-digit lead of the night.
Jokic Dominates Again in MVP Form
Nikola Jokic did what he does best—lead from the front. The two-time MVP poured in 29 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and handed out eight assists. His steady presence in the paint and on the boards gave Denver the edge they needed against a tough Thunder squad.
Strawther and Braun Bring the Spark
Denver’s bench rose to the occasion, especially in the second half. Second-year guard Julian Strawther exploded for a career playoff-high 15 points—all after halftime. His back-to-back threes and a smooth layup sparked a crucial 10-0 run in the third quarter.
Christian Braun also delivered a playoff-best performance. He scored 23 points and snagged 12 rebounds, helping Denver gain and maintain control of the game. His clutch three-pointer just before halftime capped a stunning 12-0 burst that erased a 12-point deficit.
Thunder Struggle Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s Big Night
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could to carry the Thunder, finishing with 32 points. Eighteen of those came after halftime, even as he played in foul trouble from the second quarter. But Oklahoma City’s supporting cast didn’t show up when it mattered most.
Chet Holmgren added 19 points, but All-Star Jalen Williams struggled, scoring just six points on 3-of-16 shooting. It was a tough night for a Thunder team on the brink of its first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2016.
Dort’s Buzzer-Beater Not Enough
The Thunder led 61-58 at halftime, thanks to Lu Dort’s buzzer-beating three. However, it was the Nuggets who took momentum into the locker room. Denver’s 12-0 closing run to end the first half, sparked by Braun’s long-range shot, flipped the energy in the building.
From there, the Nuggets never looked back. They outplayed the Thunder in the second half, both physically and emotionally, to even the series.
Denver Battles Injuries, Eyes Game 7
The win didn’t come without cost. Forward Aaron Gordon appeared to tweak his left hamstring late in the fourth quarter. He finished the game hobbling, raising concerns for Game 7. Still, the Nuggets welcomed the much-needed two-day break after playing every other night since April 29.
Thunder Face Rare Back-to-Back Losses
Oklahoma City has only lost consecutive games twice this season. The Nuggets will try to make it a third time on Sunday. The winner will advance to face the well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated the Golden State Warriors in just five games.
All Eyes on Sunday’s Showdown
Game 7 promises to be a battle. With momentum on their side, the Nuggets are charging back to Oklahoma City. The Thunder, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to protect their home court and keep their playoff dreams alive.
