Jamal Murray steps up as Nuggets win overtime thriller against Thunder

On Friday night, May 9, 2025, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series. After losing Game 2 by a staggering 43 points, the Nuggets aimed to bounce back and solidify their chances for success. Throughout the game, the Nuggets remained closely matched with the Thunder, with the score tied at 102 at the end of regulation. Jamal Murray shone brightly with his performance of 27 points, including five crucial points in overtime, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 21, showcasing his ability to play through pain from a sprained left shoulder. Despite a tough night for star player Nikola Jokic, who recorded 20 points but struggled with eight turnovers and shooting 8 for 25, the team secured a critical win. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also endured challenges of his own, finishing with 18 points while missing 15 of his 22 shots. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with a playoff career-high of 32 points, but the Thunder faced difficulties in the extra period, scoring only two points as the Nuggets executed a strong 11-2 run to close the game. The intense match highlighted the Nuggets' experience and resilience in high-pressure situations, evident as they incurred a late-game 11-2 run in overtime after trailing for most of regulation. Head Coach David Adelman praised his team's ability to rely on their previous experiences, stating that staying close until the end allowed them to leverage their home court advantage effectively. On the contrary, the Thunder are now faced with the challenge of regrouping after two losses in three games and adapting their strategies for the upcoming Game 4. Looking ahead, Game 4 is set for Sunday, where both teams will look to assert themselves. With the Nuggets taking a 2-1 lead in the series, they hope to build momentum, while the Thunder remain determined to level the series. Both teams understand the significance and intensity of playoff matchups, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes and require teams to tap into their collective resilience and skills to respond to challenges they encounter on the court.