Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets lost a seemingly won game after giving up a six-point lead late in regulation, eventually leaving Oklahoma City defeated 121–127 following overtime against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokić was involved in a major incident with Luguentz Dort, who struck him in the hip while the Serbian star was returning to defense. The move enraged Jokić like never before on NBA courts, with Jalen Williams becoming the target of his frustration during the heated moment.
Dort was ejected for intentional contact, while Nikola received a technical foul. By the end of the game, Jokić recorded another triple-double with 23 points on somewhat weaker shooting (9-25 overall, 2-10 from three-point range), along with 17 rebounds and 14 assists, but failed to secure a psychologically important win against the league’s best team and reigning champion.
Denver had a very good — even excellent — opportunity to win, but in both the closing moments of regulation and overtime, none of the team’s stars managed to score, particularly struggling with long-range shooting.
Alongside Jokić, strong performances came from Jamal Murray with 39 points (8 rebounds, 6 assists), Christian Braun with 23 points (8 rebounds), and Tim Hardaway Jr. who added 16 points.
For the winning side, returning star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined with 36 points, although he did not play the closing stages of regulation or overtime. Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points and an impressive 21 rebounds.
Denver has been struggling recently and is slowly slipping down the Western Conference standings. They now share fourth and fifth place with the Minnesota Timberwolves at a 37–23 record, while Oklahoma preserved the top spot with a 45–15 record.
The Nuggets’ next game is scheduled for Sunday against Minnesota in Colorado.
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Source: Antonije Kovačević Foto: Agencije