After a 43-point loss on Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets bounced back in Game 3. They have a 2-1 series lead, winning in overtime 113-104, led by Nikola Jokic and the experienced core.
The Denver Nuggets had a fantastic performance in Game 3. This came after a humbling loss in Game 2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they had already learned from. Denver relied on the experienced core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. It was a spectacular night for the quartet because they combined for 90 of the Nuggets’ 113 points.
All four players were part of their championship-winning run in 2023, so their experience was a significant factor. Even if Jokic had a rough shooting night with 8-of-25 from the field, he made an impact in other areas like leadership. Murray closed out the game with his 27-point night, helping his running mate, who had a rough night.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesExperience trumped OKC’s promising youth
The Thunder were the league’s most successful team in the regular season with a 68-14 record. They achieved that while being one of the league’s youngest teams. That bodes well for the long-term future, but in Game 3, their youth and inexperience were prominent. They could have managed the game better if they had more experience, but the Nuggets dictated the game.
Even if Jokic did not have his best game, he was pulling all the strings. The Thunder succeeded in getting past their big obstacle of stopping Jokic. However, Murray and Gordon stepped up when needed, as they had big plays. Most of them involved using veteran savvy, as most of OKC’s team struggled. MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a rough night, scoring only 18 points on 31.8% from the field.
The Thunder’s clutch offense was abysmal in Game 3, especially in overtime. They only scored two points in the extra period, as the Nuggets cruised to the win. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault knows his team did not execute well. The Thunder must make adjustments ahead of Game 4 because they need to win at least one game in Denver.
OKC has looked young, shook and tight in these close games versus a MUCH more poised Nuggets team.
Happened in Game 1 and happening again in Game 3.
Their approach on offense in the clutch is not working.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) May 10, 2025
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“We’ve been together for years. We knew what we had, and we believe in each other. We’re gonna need more of it. Tonight is another step in the right direction.
“We know we can be better than this,” Murray said after the game.
“Just being open to criticism and holding each other accountable. Everyone knows it’s coming from a good place. We’re all trying to win, we’re trying to push each other to be better.”
The Nuggets will keep focusing on this momentum
Now that they won Game 3 after the embarrassing defeat in Game 2, the Nuggets have the momentum. They will go into Game 4 with an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead. Since Jokic did not have his best performance in Game 3, the Thunder must be wary of him. He had an epic pregame outfit in Game 3, but he will probably bounce back in Game 4.
OKC’s team wants to bounce back after a tough overtime loss. Gilgeous-Alexander is due for a big performance after the quiet Game 3. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also want to keep their performance level high, as they had good Game 3 performances.
The Nuggets were impressive because they managed to win despite Jokic’s performance. It was still a decent night from the three-time MVP, but it was lower than his golden standard. They found a way to win the game despite the Thunder keeping it close in the fourth quarter. That is where experience comes in because their core four stepped up with many big-time plays.
It will be another fun one on Sunday afternoon as the Nuggets want to take complete control of the series. However, the Thunder might have different plans by equalizing the series at two wins apiece.