The Denver Nuggets were at home on Thursday night for Game 6 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Denver entered the game in a must-win situation after losing on the road in Game 5 on Tuesday night after blowing a lead in the fourth quarter and falling behind 3-2 in the series.
It was clear from the start that the Nuggets were focused on extending their season as they were once again able to make a comeback in the first half and then use a dominant third quarter to capture the 119-107 victory.
Nikola Jokic during Game 3.
Nikola Jokic after Game 3 vs. the Thunder.
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
With the victory, the Nuggets now force Game 7 as they will now travel back to Oklahoma City in a win-or-go-home contest on Sunday with a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver on Thursday night as he recorded 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27)
Jamal Murray also stepped up despite dealing with an illness as he put up 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while Christian Braun recorded 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
With these performances by the Nuggets’ trio, they made NBA playoff history in Game 6 against the Thunder.
In Thursday’s game, Jokic, Murray and Braun became the first trio of teammates to each record 20 or more points, eight or more rebounds and five or more assists since 1966.
Of course, the trio to do it in 1966 was the Boston Celtics’ legendary trio of Bill Russell, John Havlicek and Sam Jones.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) after a play in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) after a play in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
This is a massive accomplishment by Denver’s trio as they join some elite Hall of Fame company after their incredible games on Thursday night.
Now the Nuggets, led by Jokic and Murray, will head to Oklahoma City on Sunday for Game 7 as they will have their sights set on advancing to the Western Conference Finals.