Julian Strawther shines with playoff career-high to push Nuggets into Game 7

The Denver Nuggets played against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a crucial NBA playoff game on Thursday night, resulting in a 119-107 victory for the Nuggets, forcing a decisive Game 7. The game took place after an intense series where the Nuggets had struggled and lost a fourth-quarter lead in Game 5. During this critical matchup in Denver, Julian Strawther emerged off the bench, contributing a significant 15 points, all scored in the second half. His performance was remarkable considering it marked his first extended minutes in the series, and he played a vital role in shifting the game's momentum in favor of the Nuggets. Strawther's scoring included two crucial 3-pointers and a layup during a pivotal 10-0 third-quarter run that helped the Nuggets establish a double-digit lead. Though he also experienced an incident in which a prosthetic tooth was lost during the game, he managed to retain his focus and assist his team. Alongside Strawther, Jamal Murray recovered from an illness to lead the team with 25 points, and Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points along with 14 rebounds. The game showcased the strengths of the Nuggets, particularly their ability to score against a Thunder team that had performed well throughout the series. The victory set the stage for Game 7, which will be played on Sunday in Oklahoma City, against a backdrop of high stakes as the Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner after eliminating the Golden State Warriors. One concern for the Nuggets was the health of Aaron Gordon, who injured his left hamstring late in the game. The series's tight nature had led to a tough grind for the Nuggets, who were looking for the opportunity to move forward after suffering defeats in crucial moments earlier in the playoffs.