DENVER, COLORADO – The defending champions held their nerve in a dramatic overtime battle as the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder 113–104 in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
Jamal Murray led the way with 27 points for the Nuggets, who now take a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven showdown. Despite a poor shooting night from deep — including 0-for-10 from three-point range — reigning MVP Nikola Jokic posted a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
The Nuggets dominated the overtime period, holding the Thunder to just one field goal and capitalizing on critical errors. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, hitting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Aaron Gordon chipped in 22, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game late in regulation.
“We’ve been here before,” Porter said afterward. “We stayed composed. AG [Gordon] came up huge again — just like he’s done all playoffs. This was a big one.”
Thunder Falter Late Despite Strong Effort
Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams poured in a game-high 32 points, but the Thunder struggled in the extra period, shooting 1-for-7 with two costly turnovers. Chet Holmgren recorded 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points and 13 boards despite a tough night from the field (7-for-22).
“We knew this was going to be a test,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “That’s what the playoffs are about. We’ve responded all season, and I believe we’ll rise to the challenge again.”
Game 4 is set for Sunday afternoon in Denver.
How It Happened
After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, it looked like the Thunder might steal one on the road. Gilgeous-Alexander gave OKC a brief lead with his only three-pointer of the night midway through the quarter. Luguentz Dort hit a critical triple — his only points of the game — to make it 102–99 with just over a minute to play.
But Denver responded. Gordon buried a corner three with 27.5 seconds remaining to tie it at 102, and after SGA missed a floater and Jokic’s potential buzzer-beater came up short, the game headed to overtime.
Jokic opened the extra frame with a layup, Porter followed with a three, and Denver never looked back. Murray’s layup and a couple of Thunder missteps sealed the win.
Elsewhere: Mitchell Explodes as Cavaliers Thump Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Over in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers responded emphatically to a 2–0 series deficit, dominating the Indiana Pacers 126–104 in Game 3.
Donovan Mitchell erupted for 43 points, adding nine rebounds and shooting an efficient 14-of-29 from the field. The six-time All-Star rediscovered his shooting rhythm from long range, hitting 5-of-13 from three after struggling in earlier games.
“It was now or never,” said Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson. “This team is banged up, but they responded with grit and poise. We needed this one.”
Cleveland took control in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 34–13 to take command of the game. Max Strus contributed 20 points and seven boards, while big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley dominated the paint. Mobley, returning from injury, finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Despite playing at home, the Pacers struggled. Tyrese Haliburton was quiet, managing just four points on 2-of-8 shooting. Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 23 points off the bench, and Pascal Siakam had 18.
The Cavaliers outrebounded the Pacers 56–37, including an 18–4 advantage on the offensive glass.
Game 4 tips off Sunday in Indianapolis, where Cleveland will look to even the series at 2–2.