The Denver nuggets are not completed yet.
Nikola Jokic showed even more MVP-level performance, scoring 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to bring Denver to a 119-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The victory equalized the Western Conference semi-final series 3-3, forcing the decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Denver turned his back against the wall and entered Game 6, blew through the slow lead with the previous two matchups. However, this time, they held back the stretch strongly thanks to not only Jokic but also the unexpected heroes.
Sparks from Julian Stroser’s bench
Julian Stroser, a rarely used second-year security guard, was delivered in a big way. Strawther, who played a meaningful few minutes for the first time in the series, scored all 15 points in the second half, including three pointers for three clutches. He also added playoff energy that caused the home crowd to roar, even after losing his prosthetic teeth during the fourth quarter crash.
“It’s the moment you dream of as a child,” Straw said after the match. “To be there, I’m going to have my team trust me and make a difference. That means everything.”
Interim head coach David Adelman, who has kept communication open with strawers throughout the postseason, told him to be ready – and the young guard certainly did.
Jamal Murray gives courage through illness
Jamal Murray, who is battling the illness, showed serious toughness, contributing to 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Christian Brown scored a double double 23 points and chips on 11 boards, while Julian Strozer’s 15 stabilized the team while Jokic rested.
Thunder can’t close it
Shy Gilgauss Alexander led the lightning with 32 points in another outstanding effort, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 19 points and 11 rebounds. But despite the depths of Oklahoma City, including solid outings from Lugenz Dort, Alex Caruso and Casson Wallace, they couldn’t compare to Denver’s second half strength.
Thunder, who posted the NBA’s best regular season record 68-14, faces pressure to close things at home in Game 7. Last season, the Nugget was knocked out in Game 7, and this time he’s clearly starved to flip the script.
Injuries approach game 7
The Nugget may have some health concerns heading towards all the clashes of winners. Forward Aaron Gordon said after the game, finished late in Game 6 with hamstring adjustments, “I feel alright… I’ll start recovering quickly to get ready for Game 7.”
Michael Porter Jr. is not a complete power either. He handles shoulder sprains and needs a pain-killing injection to stay in court. He scored 10 points in nine shots, but he admitted he was still not entirely confident in his shot.
“I just have to be confident and do everything I can to help my team,” Porter said.
Next: Game 7 showdown
With both teams tied 3-3, all eyes will be Sunday’s showdown in Oklahoma City. The winner will travel to face the burgeoning Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
Whether it’s Jokic’s glow, Murray’s resilience, or a surprising hero like Stroser, the Nuggets prove that they won’t fall without a fight.
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