After a 43-point loss on Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets bouncing off in Game 3. Leading by Nikola Djokic and an experienced core.
The Denver Nuggets performed in Game 3 incredible. This came after a humble defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2. Denver relied on experienced cores of Nicola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon. For the quartet, it was an epic night as they combined 90 of the Nugget’s 113 points.
Their experience was a key factor as all four players were part of the 2023 Championship victory run. Even if Jokic had a rough shooting night 8/25 off the field, he had an impact on other areas like leadership. Murray closed the game with a 27-point night, helping his running mate after a rough night.
The Thunder were the most successful team in the league in the regular season, with a 68-14 record. They achieved that, but achieved being one of the youngest teams in the league. That’s good for the long term future, but in Game 3 their youth and experience were prominent. They could have managed the game better if they had more experience, but the Nuggets decided on the game.
Even if Jokic didn’t have the best game, he was pulling all the strings. Thunder managed to overcome their major obstacles of stopping Jokic. But Murray and Gordon stepped up as they played big when needed. Most of them had something to do with the veteran familiarity as most of the OKC team struggled. MVP’s favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent a rough night, scoring just 18 points at 31.8% off the field.
The Thunder’s clutch attack was awful in Game 3, especially in overtime. They only scored two points in the extra period as the Nuggets cruised to victory. Thunder coach Mark Deanoo knows his team wasn’t running well. The Thunder will need to adjust before Game 4 as they will need to win at least one game in Denver.
“We’ve been together for years. We know what we have and we believe in each other. We’ll need it more. Tonight is another step in the right direction.
“We know it’s better than this,” Murray said after the game.
“We just accept criticism and hold each other accountable. Everyone knows it comes from a good place. We are all trying to win. We are trying to make each other better.”
The Nuggets have momentum as they won Game 3 after an embarrassing defeat in Game 2. They get the chance to lead a 3-1 lead and enter Game 4. Jokic didn’t have the best performance in Game 3, so Thunder must be on his guard against him. He had an epic pre-match outfit in Game 3, but will likely bounce back in Game 4.
OKC’s team wants to bounce back after a tough overtime defeat. Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to experience a major performance after quiet game 3. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren want to keep their performance levels high as they performed well in Game 3.
The Nuggets were impressive as they managed to win despite Jokic’s performance. It was still a decent night from three MVPs, but below his golden standard. They found a way to win the game despite the Thunder getting it closer in the fourth quarter. Experience comes as the core 4 stepped up with many large plays.
Nuggets want full control over the series, making it another fun thing on Sunday afternoons. Thunder may, however, make different plans by leveling the series with two wins.