The Denver Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma Thunder 113-104 on Friday night in a fierce Game 3 that went to overtime. The match was a back-and-forth endeavor from the beginning, with the largest lead of the game belonging to OKC with just a nine-point lead in the first half.
Despite a five-point deficit at halftime, the Nuggets’ defense rallied well and seized control of the game in the second half. Nikola Jokic missed a midrange shot in the final seconds to win, setting up overtime.
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He kicked off overtime with a layup and a 7-0 Nuggets run proved to be enough to secure the win.
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The Thunder were on the winning side of a historic blowout over the Nuggets in Game 2, but Denver’s response in Game 3 has now put the league’s top team into a 2-1 deficit.
OKC made just 25.7% of their long-range attempt, a far cry from Denver’s efficient 40% three-point shooting.
Murray finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and four steals while Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
The Thunder’s scoring came from an unlikely hero in Jalen Williams, who had 32 points and five assists. MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 18 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, but shot just 7-22 from the field.
The Thunder are the best defensive team and will get a quick chance to respond in Game 4 on Sunday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
