### Denver Nuggets Upset Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of Western Conference Semifinals The Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning upset against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series, winning 121-119. The game featured a dramatic finish, highlighted by Aaron Gordon's game-winning three-pointer with just 2.8 seconds remaining. Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds, solidifying his status as a key player in the playoffs. This victory sets the tone for the series, as the Nuggets aim to capitalize on their momentum in Game 2. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - The Nuggets overcame a 14-point deficit to secure the win, showcasing their resilience and determination [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/denver-nuggets/news/nikola-jokic-stats-nuggets-game-1-thunder/bf06495fb02310d9534e580f]. - Aaron Gordon's late-game heroics were pivotal, as he scored 22 points overall, including the decisive shot [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/aaron-gordons-late-3-pointer-gives-nuggets-game-1-win-vs-thunder-2025-05-06]. 2. **Player Performances** - Nikola Jokic's performance was historic, marking him as a strong MVP candidate with his impressive double-double [https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/06/nikola-jokic-nuggets-game-1-win-thunder-renck]. - Russell Westbrook, playing against his former team, contributed significantly to the Nuggets' success, providing key assists [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-05-06/westbrooks-performance-against-former-team-helps-nuggets-take-1-0-lead-over-thunder]. 3. **Officiating and Game Context** - The NBA made a notable officiating announcement prior to Game 2, which could impact the dynamics of the series [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nba-makes-officiating-announcement-nuggets-171010936.html]. - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder faces immense pressure to perform in the upcoming games, as his performance could define his career trajectory [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/shai-gilgeous-alexander-under-immense-182148344.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Statistics from Game 1:** - **Nikola Jokic:** 42 points, 22 rebounds - **Aaron Gordon:** 22 points, including the game-winning three-pointer - **Team Performance:** Nuggets rallied from a 14-point deficit to win [https://www.si.com/nba/nuggets/news/nikola-jokic-makes-nba-history-in-nuggets-thunder-game-1-01jthy3fx6xx]. - **Game Highlights:** - Gordon's game-winner was a fast-break three-pointer, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure [https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NBA/2025/05/06/Nuggets-Aaron-Gordon-game-winner-stun-Thunder/8781746533661]. - The Nuggets' calmness in high-pressure situations was a key factor in their victory [https://gulfnews.com/sport/denver-nuggets-stun-oklahoma-city-thunder-in-game-1-of-best-of-seven-series-1.500117385]. ### Conclusion: Nuggets Set the Stage for Series Upset The Denver Nuggets' victory in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder not only demonstrates their potential to challenge the top-seeded team but also highlights the individual brilliance of players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. 1. **Major Takeaway:** The Nuggets' ability to come back from a significant deficit indicates their resilience and capability to perform under pressure. 2. **Player Impact:** Jokic's historic performance and Gordon's clutch shooting are critical for the Nuggets' playoff aspirations. 3. **Looking Ahead:** With Game 2 approaching, the Nuggets will aim to build on this momentum, while the Thunder must regroup to avoid falling into a deeper series deficit [https://www.nba.com/news/thunder-nuggets-takeaways-game-1-2025-nba-playoffs/?lid=lk4eqyfrqsxz].