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Thunderstorm in OKC: Thunder Upsets Nuggets in Game 5 Thriller
The Oklahoma City Thunder roared back from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to snatch a dramatic 112-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinal showdown. This electrifying win gives the Thunder a commanding 3-2 series lead, setting the stage for a potential series clincher in Denver on Thursday.
A Fourth-Quarter Frenzy
Facing elimination on their home court, the Thunder displayed incredible resilience. With just over eight minutes remaining, the Nuggets held a comfortable nine-point advantage. But Oklahoma City unleashed a furious offensive barrage, outscoring Denver 34-19 in the final period. This incredible comeback was fueled by stifling defense and clutch shooting.
- Luguentz Dort caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting three crucial three-pointers in a short span, helping erase the Nuggets' lead.
- A flurry of impressive plays, including a steal by Dort leading to a Chet Holmgren layup, kept the momentum swinging in Oklahoma City's favor.
- While Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' star center, continued his dominant performance (44 points, 15 rebounds), his teammates struggled to find the same level of success in the crucial final minutes.
- Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit clutch three-pointers late in the game, sealing the deal for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder's late-game dominance builds on their impressive performance in the previous game; over the last two games, they've outscored Denver 63-37 in the fourth quarter alone.
Jokic's Masterclass, but Not Enough
Despite the loss, Nikola Jokic delivered a truly exceptional performance. His 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists showcased his all-around brilliance. He shot an impressive 17-of-25 from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Jamal Murray also contributed significantly for Denver with 28 points. However, the Nuggets' supporting cast couldn't consistently match the Thunder's overall offensive firepower.
Thunder's Balanced Attack
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, adding seven assists to his impressive stat line. But his stellar performance was complemented by a strong team effort. Six Thunder players scored in double figures, including Jalen Williams (18 points, 9 rebounds), Isaiah Hartenstein (15 points), and Chet Holmgren (14 points). This balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Nuggets to overcome.
A Pivotal Turnaround
The Thunder's late-game surge wasn't the only key moment. A nine-point run to end the first half, cutting Denver’s lead to just two points, proved crucial in shifting the game's momentum early on.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder now head to Denver with a 3-2 series lead, looking to close out the Nuggets on Thursday. Game 6 promises to be another high-stakes battle between two incredibly talented teams. The Thunder, despite their youth, have shown remarkable composure and determination, refusing to be intimidated by the reigning Western Conference champions. Their ability to overcome adversity and pull off such a comeback will surely give them the confidence they need to finish the job.
Game 5 Recap: Thunder 112, Nuggets 105
- Game 1: Nuggets 121, Thunder 119
- Game 2: Thunder 149, Nuggets 106
- Game 3: Nuggets 113, Thunder 104 (OT)
- Game 4: Thunder 92, Nuggets 87
- Game 5: Thunder 112, Nuggets 105 (Oklahoma City leads 3-2)
- Game 6: Thursday, May 15 | Nuggets vs. Thunder | Time/TV TBD
- Game 7: Sunday, May 18 | Thunder vs. Nuggets | Time/TV TBD (if necessary)
