Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder was an instant classic. Despite trailing by 12 points with under 10 minutes to play, the defending champion Nuggets used their poise and playoff experience to storm back for a 121-119 victory.
The comeback was capped by Aaron Gordon’s clutch three-pointer with 2.8 seconds remaining, giving Denver the lead for good.
While Gordon’s late heroics sealed the win, it was Nikola Jokic who once again etched his name in NBA history. The reigning Finals MVP became the first player ever to record 40+ points, 20+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 2+ blocks in a playoff game. Jokic continued to strengthen his MVP case with another all-time performance.
Nikola Jokic's Historic Game 1 Performance
- 42 points (26 in the second half)
- 22 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 2 blocks
- First player in NBA history with 40+ PTS / 20+ REB / 5+ AST / 2+ BLK in a playoff game
Denver Nuggets Game 1 Player Stats
Starters:
- Nikola Jokic: 42 PTS, 22 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK, 15-29 FG, +0 in 42 MIN
- Aaron Gordon: 22 PTS, 14 REB, 5-5 FT, +0 in 39 MIN
- Jamal Murray: 21 PTS, 6 AST, 7-8 FT, +0 in 44 MIN
- Michael Porter Jr.: 2 PTS, 4 REB, 1-8 FG, +0 in 24 MIN
- Christian Braun: 11 PTS, 13 REB, +0 in 40 MIN
Bench:
- Russell Westbrook: 18 PTS, 2 AST, 7-13 FG, +0 in 30 MIN
- Peyton Watson: 3 PTS, 2 STL, 2 BLK in 15 MIN
- Julian Strawther: 2 PTS, 1 REB in 6 MIN
- Others: DNP (Coach’s Decision)
Team Totals:
- FG: 42-95 (44.2%)
- 3PT: 10-32 (31.3%)
- FT: 27-33 (81.8%)
- Rebounds: 63 (21 OREB, 42 DREB)
- Assists: 18
- Steals: 6
- Blocks: 5
- Turnovers: 18
- Points: 121
Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Player Stats
Starters:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 33 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST, 12-26 FG
- Jalen Williams: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
- Chet Holmgren: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLK
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 12 PTS, 9 REB
- Luguentz Dort: 14 PTS, 4-9 3PT
Bench:
- Alex Caruso: 20 PTS, 5 3PT, 6 AST, 5 STL
- Jaylin Williams: 4 PTS, 1 REB
- Aaron Wiggins: 5 PTS, 4 REB
- Isaiah Joe: 0 PTS, 0-4 3PT
- Cason Wallace: 3 PTS, 2 REB
- Others: DNP (Coach’s Decision)
Team Totals:
- FG: 42-100 (42.0%)
- 3PT: 15-43 (34.9%)
- FT: 20-28 (71.4%)
- Rebounds: 43 (13 OREB, 30 DREB)
- Assists: 27
- Steals: 12
- Blocks: 11
- Turnovers: 9
- Points: 119
What’s Next?
The Denver Nuggets will aim to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series when Game 2 tips off Wednesday night at 9:30 PM EST.
