It s not Jokic, why did the Nuggets win overtime? The biggest hero revealed: both offense and defense are excellent, "big heart" three-pointer

On May 10, 2025, this passionate and suspenseful NBA Playoff Western Conference Semi-Finals G3 arena, the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder have a thrilling battle. After a hard battle in overtime, the Nuggets narrowly defeated the Thunder 113-104, overtaking the total score 2-1, occupying the initiative in the series. In this game, Aaron Gordon is undoubtedly the biggest contributor to the Nuggets' victory. The game entered the final stage of regular time, with the Thunder leading 102-99, and the winning balance seemed to lean towards them. At this critical moment, Gordon stood up. After receiving the pass from Murray, he took a decisive move and hit a key three-pointer in the bottom corner, instantly equalizing the score and dragging it into overtime. This "big heart is in a tie" three-pointer, like a bombshell, igniting the enthusiasm of all Nuggets fans and also became a turning point in the game. Many reports regard this goal as a key node in the game. It not only saved the Nuggets from danger, but also inspired the fighting spirit of the whole team.

Entered overtime, and Gordon continued his fiery touch. He first hit a mid-range jump shot, then grabbed a key rebound, leading the Nuggets to a 7-0 start, laying the victory in one fell swoop. This series of operations demonstrates his super psychological quality and scoring ability at critical moments, making the opponent Thunder team unable to defend. Looking at the whole game, Gordon's data is also very impressive. He made 7 of 11 shots, 4 of 6 three-pointers, efficiently scored 22 points, and also contributed 8 rebounds and 5 assists, with the highest efficiency value (+15) in the team. In the most critical final quarter and overtime of the game, he contributed a total of 9 points, including two crucial three-pointers and one free throw, which is the core force of the Nuggets' points chase. In addition to offensive end, Gordon also assumed the heavy responsibility of defending the core Thunder player Alexander. Although Alexander scored 18 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists in the game, under Gordon's defense, his shooting percentage was only 31.8% (7 of 22 shots), especially at the critical moment of the final quarter, Alexander made consecutive blows, and Gordon's defense made an indelible contribution. After the game, Gordon's plus or negative values ​​also reflect his great contribution to the team on both offense and defense.

in sharp contrast to Gordon is Jokic. Although Jokic also contributed a comprehensive data of 20 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists in this game, his shooting performance was really sluggish. He made only 8 of 25 shots in the game, with a shooting percentage as low as 32%, and 0 of 10 three-pointers, and made as many as 8 turnovers. His shooting choices and efficiency were also questioned in the final quarter and overtime of the game. When Jokic was in poor form, Gordon kept creating scoring opportunities for himself through active off-ball runs and empty cuts, hitting key balls many times when the Thunder contracted defense, becoming the Nuggets' most reliable scoring point in the dilemma.

Of course, other Nuggets players also have their own contributions. Murray scored 27 points and 8 assists in the whole game. On the offensive end, especially in the last quarter and overtime, he continued to connect the team's offense through breakthroughs and passes, but he also made some mistakes in the key rounds. Porter Jr.'s condition recovered in this game, making 5 of 6 three-pointers and efficiently scored 21 points and 8 rebounds, providing the team with stable outside firepower, but he still has some loopholes on the defensive end. After this game, the Nuggets took the initiative in the series with Gordon's key performance. Gordon's three key playoff wins (including the first round against the Clippers and the G1 against the Thunder) further consolidated his "big heart" label. The Thunder need to reflect on the performance and tactical arrangement of core players at critical moments, adjust their status as soon as possible, and deal with the next game.

In this game, Gordon proved himself to be the undeserved hero of the Nuggets with his key scoring, efficient performance and comprehensive offense and defense. His presence not only brought victory in this critical game to the Nuggets, but also injected strong confidence into the team's subsequent series. I believe that in the next game, Gordon and the Nuggets will continue to bring more exciting performances to the fans.