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The Oklahoma City Thunder will face a decisive Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets after losing 119-107 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Thursday (May 15). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. The series is now tied 3-3, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
Denver's Nikola Jokic played a crucial role, scoring 29 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and providing eight assists. Jamal Murray, despite being under the weather, contributed 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, helping the Nuggets force a Game 7. Murray's performance was key, especially after being listed as questionable earlier in the day due to illness.
Julian Strawther, a second-year reserve guard, made a significant impact by scoring a career playoff-high 15 points, all in the second half, including a crucial 10-0 run in the third quarter. Denver's Aaron Gordon, who struggled with a hamstring issue, assured fans he would be ready for Game 7 on Sunday (May 18) in Oklahoma City.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Denver's strong performance, stating, "They threw a punch tonight... both teams have done a great job of standing back up, including us, and we need to do that on Sunday" as reported by ESPN.
The Thunder have only lost back-to-back games twice this season, and they hope to avoid a repeat in Game 7. The winner will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who defeated the Golden State Warriors in five games, in the next round. Oklahoma City has a 2-2 record in Game 7s, with their last appearance in 2020 against Houston.