Facing elimination,the Denver Nuggets rallied to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 on Thursday night,forcing a decisive Game 7. The Nuggets overcame a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter,fueled by a scoring surge and a subsequent cold spell by Oklahoma City in the final frame.

Key Performances

• Jamal Murray: Despite being questionable with an illness, Murray lead Denver with 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
• Nikola Jokić: The reigning MVP contributed a dominant 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.
• Christian Braun: provided a spark with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double.
• Julian Strawther: Emerged as a crucial X-factor off the bench, scoring 15 points, including two 3-pointers, to close the third quarter while Jokić rested.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Scored 32 points and dished out six assists for the Thunder, but battled foul trouble in the fourth quarter.
• Chet Holmgren: Added 19 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma City.

Turning Point

Oklahoma City held a 10-point lead with just under two minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, a rapid scoring burst by Denver, coupled with Oklahoma City’s offensive struggles in the fourth quarter, shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Nuggets.

Joker DIME 🫣

25 PTS,14 REB,8 AST and counting… https://t.co/OTAgZlJcFs pic.twitter.com/2qb9GywwYc

– NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2025

Nuggets Gain Crucial Rest

For the first time in over two weeks, Denver will have more then one day of rest between games. The Nuggets have been running on fumes for much of this series because they went seven games against the LA Clippers,and then boarded a plane that Sunday and started the series against the Thunder that monday.

Denver’s interim head coach David Adelman noted the team’s relief at the prospect of rest, saying, Guys looked more happy to have two days off than to be going to a Game 7. This rest is particularly crucial given Aaron Gordon’s late-game hamstring concern. Adelman expressed a high level of concern regarding Gordon’s status.The Nuggets also get some rest for Murray and Jokić. Denver knew it had to come up with one win on Thursday night, and the Nuggets were able to come up with that win and give themselves some much-needed rest.

Thunder Stumble With Prospect on the Line

Oklahoma City failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to advance to their first conference finals in a decade. Rather of showcasing their regular-season dominance, the Thunder appeared flat, allowing Denver to dictate the game’s intensity.

Jalen williams struggled, scoring just six points on 3-for-16 shooting, despite leading all players in assists. Conversely, Murray maintained constant offensive pressure. Williams cannot afford another subpar performance if the Thunder hope to advance. Williams can’t afford another game like that if the Thunder have any realistic hopes of getting to a conference final.

The Nuggets have demonstrated superior offensive depth throughout the series.Through six games, it’s clear that the nuggets have more offensive weapons. If Oklahoma City cannot match Denver’s firepower in game 7, they must execute flawlessly in all other aspects of the game.

Looking Ahead: Game 7 Showdown

Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday in Oklahoma City, with a conference finals berth at stake. The Thunder will need to rediscover their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity to overcome a resilient Nuggets team bolstered by crucial rest and momentum.