The Dener Nuggets entered Thursday’s Game 6 matchup at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder needing a victory to keep their championship hopes alive.
Of course, the Nuggets fell behind 3-2 in the series after they blew the lead in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night in Game 5, allowing the Thunder to take a commanding lead in the series.
Because of this, Denver entered Game 6 in a must-win situation and that is exactly what they would do as they used a dominant second half to grab a crucial 119-107 victory to force Game 7.
Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray
Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver on Thursday night with 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists but he was not the only reason for the Nuggets’ victory.
Denver also saw other key players step up alongside Jokic including Jamal Murray, Christian Braun and Julian Strawther.
While all of these players played a key role in Thursday’s victory, the Nuggets saw their forwards Aaron Gordon struggle.
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Gordon finished the game with only five points but he was able to record seven rebounds and seven assists.
This was a rare off game for Gordon as he has had an incredible playoff run thus far that includes two game-winning shots, including one in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Thunder.
Gordon also appeared to injure his hamstring late in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s victory but he provided a positive update after the game.
“I feel OK,” Gordon said. “We’ll see. I’m going to start the recovery process now and make sure I’m getting ready for Game 7.”
This is a positive update by Gordon after Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman provided a not so positive update before Gordon was interviewed.
Of course, Gordon dealt with a lingering hamstring injury throughout the season that caused him to miss multiple games but he will likely do everything possible to be ready for Game 7 on Sunday and it helps that he has two days of rest in between games.