Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and rookie sensation Julian Strawther came through in a big way Thursday night, leading the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and onto a winner-takes-all Game 7 in the Western Conference semi-finals.
Jokic ran roughshod with nearly a triple-double, blending subtlety and power in the post, as Strawther ignited the outside, converting timely threes that shifted momentum toward Denver once more. Ball Arena erupted when the Nuggets extinguished a double-figure deficit, cementing a season-defining win.
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, battled hard but collapsed under Denver’s late-game pressure and defense. In spite of the defeat, Oklahoma City is optimistic entering Sunday’s clinching Game 7 at home, where the youthful team will seek to take advantage of its high-level fan support.
With both sides now stalemated at 3-3, the focus shifts to OKC for what is shaping up to be an electric finale. For Denver, the comeback is championship mettle. For OKC, it’s a challenge of staying calm and tough. One thing’s for sure—Game 7 will be electric.
