Nuggets Stun Thunder with Last-Second Victory in Game 1

Oklahoma City, OK – The Denver Nuggets shocked the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119 in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals on May 5, 2025. The Nuggets secured the win with a dramatic three-pointer from Aaron Gordon in the final seconds, capping off a remarkable comeback.

The Thunder held a strong lead, leading by as many as 14 points in the third quarter and maintained a significant advantage through most of the fourth quarter. However, the Nuggets rallied late, with Nikola Jokic scoring 18 points in the final period alone to help close the gap. Jokic finished the game with a staggering 42 points and 22 rebounds.

“I just focused on doing what I could to help my team win,” Jokic said following the game. His performance was crucial in overcoming the Thunder’s strong start.

With just four seconds left on the clock, Gordon hit a 25-foot shot to give the Nuggets their first lead of the fourth quarter. Earlier, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren missed two critical free throws with just 10 seconds remaining, which opened the door for the Nuggets’ final offensive push.

“We’ve dealt with pressure before, and that gave us the calmness to believe we could pull it off,” Gordon said. He contributed significantly, scoring 22 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, showcasing his value to the team.

The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 33 points, while Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench. Despite their strong performance, Oklahoma City was left disappointed after failing to close out the game.

Denver’s interim coach David Adelman praised Gordon’s leadership and contributions on the court. “He’s the soul of our team. It’s great to see him have a moment like that,” Adelman noted.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is set for Wednesday, promising more excitement as both teams aim for victory.