The Denver Nuggets secured a 113-104 victory in Game 3, taking a 2-1 lead in the second round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The game was overtime and the Denver Nuggets did an incredible job of securing the Oklahoma City Thunder to just two points to win the victory.
With great performances from all the starters, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points, while Nicola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. also combined with 63 points in the evening.
For Thunder, it was Jalen Williams who led the way with 32 points, but Chet Holmgren scored 18 and grabbed 16 rebounds.
MVP frontrunner Shy Gilgauss Alexander didn’t have a great game according to his standards as he scored 18 points, but he went 7-22 off the field and spent an inefficient filming night.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman explained that his team did something different in Game 3 to contain the SGA’s brilliance.
After a horrifying defensive performance in Game 2, Adelman did not hesitate to call out his players, sought a better response from them for the rest of the series.
His team appeared in Game 3, especially the SGA, taking the lead in the series.
Adelman said:
“I thought this was the three best games that were influenced by his form, and he creates a lot of space like that.
“I thought CB (Christian Brown) took it the right way and had a good contest a few times later in the game.”
Adelman pointed out that the nuggets that double the SGA in the second half of the shot clock have also proven to be useful to them.
“Our options of what we did with him are good, and that’s not just one good thing, this time we’ll zone the zone and do it like this.
“Think of the game looking at the clock organically. In five seconds, if you think the guy behind you spins for you, then delay the second defender and get the second contest.
“It’s all said, so we all know what he’s. He’ll be great in Game 4, he’s a great player,” he added.
Despite the inefficient nights from the SGA, the lightning continued to pass through Williams, great for them.
Fans praised Shay after the Game 2 performance.
However, the Nugget is well aware of the dangers of others in the Thunder posing too.
Mark Daigenu’s side has a player who can really shoot well.
The Nuggets haven’t had a great defensive season, but they have appeared in these playoffs as players like Russell Westbrook and Aaron Gordon have stepped up for them many times.
Brown came out and explained Jokic’s comments in a timeout. This is great because he is the leader of the team.
Westbrook stepped up and led the Huddle in Game 3, but he wasn’t the five who finished the game.
The Nuggets team unification is there for everyone to see and is visible to the floor defenders as well.
Despite falling and going outside, they always find a way to win and continue to shine on both ends, and the nuggets can defeat the lightning and advance to another meeting final.