Nuggets Upset Thunder in Thrilling Game 1 of Playoff Series

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – The Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning upset against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series on Monday night. The Thunder, who finished the regular season with a remarkable 68 wins and swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, entered the game confident but left the court shaken after the Nuggets’ last-second victory.

With just 2.8 seconds remaining, Aaron Gordon hit a three-pointer to secure a 113-110 win for Denver. Gordon finished the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Despite a strong first half where the Thunder built a 10-point lead, the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, managed to close the gap. Jokic scored 31 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, showing why he is one of the league’s elite players.

A key moment in the game came from Thunder guard Alex Caruso, who came off the bench and contributed significantly. Caruso scored 20 points, helped with six assists, and recorded five steals and two blocks, becoming the first player in NBA playoff history to achieve these statistics off the bench in a single game.

“Alex has been a game-changer for us,” Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault said. “His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is something we’ve needed, especially in the playoffs.”

Caruso’s performance highlighted the depth of the Thunder’s roster, which many consider one of the strongest in the NBA. The Thunder averaged over 120 points a game this season, and their offensive capabilities were on display early in the match.

The teams split their regular season matchups, both taking wins at home, setting the stage for an exciting playoff battle. With Game 1 now in the books, the Nuggets demonstrated their resilience. They now have the momentum heading into Wednesday’s Game 2.

Jokic, who played despite being in foul trouble during the game, managed to maintain his effectiveness in critical moments. Western Conference fans eagerly await how he and the Nuggets will adjust their strategy to counter the Thunder’s depth.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Caruso stated in a post-game interview. “We’re all confident in each other, and that’s what makes this team special.”