Nikola Jokic showed why he’s a finalist for another MVP award with his historic stat line. But with Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals at stake, the ball again found Aaron Gordon’s hands.
Gordon hit a 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds remaining, supporting Jokic’s 42-point, 22-rebound effort and giving the Denver Nuggets a stunning 121-119 comeback win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
It was the kind of finish one might expect of a team that won the NBA title just two seasons ago.
“We just didn’t want to miss the moment, didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” Gordon said. “We knew that if we waited, it may be too late. I’m glad we showed our mettle, our grit, but we’re not satisfied.”
It was Gordon’s second game-winner of the playoffs. His dunk on a Jokic miss as time expired lifted the Nuggets past the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round series.
Gordon did much more than hit the deciding shot against the Thunder.
“Aaron’s going to be a hero again,” Denver interim coach David Adelman said. “But I’m also looking at 14 rebounds. I’m looking at 22 points. Looking at ball-handling responsibilities, leadership. He is a Denver Nugget, man. Like, he is the soul of our team. So, cool to see him have two moments that no one will forget.”
Jokic became just the fourth player to have at least 40 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game.
