Nikola Jokić Makes NBA History in Nuggets' Game 1 Victory
The Denver Nuggets looked like they were on their way to losing Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they trailed by a sizable margin for much of the second half.
But down the stretch, they continually scratched and clawed, and they ended up stealing Game 1 by a final score of 121-119 over a team that won 68 games during the regular season.
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Superstar center Nikola Jokić led the way with a truly Herculean performance. He scored 42 points on 15-of-29 field-goal shooting and added 22 rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots.
According to StatMamba, he was the first player to ever post 42 points, 22 boards and six assists in a playoff game.
With 3:02 to go in the fourth quarter, Isaiah Hartenstein put Oklahoma City ahead 115-106. But the Nuggets scored eight straight points, with Jokic providing seven of those points, to come to within one point with 1:07 left.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots against Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7). Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
They made the rest of the game a free throw shooting contest, and with 10 seconds left, Thunder big man Chet Holmgren missed two free throws after getting fouled. Christian Braun grabbed the rebound, and Westbrook drove downcourt and found forward Aaron Gordon open for the game-winning 3-pointer.
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Denver won the NBA championship just two seasons ago, giving it a big advantage in the experience department over the young Thunder. If the Thunder lose Game 2 on Wednesday as well, they may not have enough bolts left to throw at the Nuggets once the scene shifts to the Mile High City for Game 3 and Game 4.
Related: Historic Nikola Jokić Stat Revealed on Monday
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