NBA Playoff Thrillers: Nuggets Escape in Overtime, Cavs Fight Back with Dominant Road Win

The NBA Playoffs continued to deliver nail-biting action with the Denver Nuggets battling through overtime to secure a hard-fought victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, while the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied on the road to steal a much-needed win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of their series. From thrilling comebacks to spectacular individual performances, these games showcased the intensity and drama that make the playoffs so compelling.

Nuggets Survive Thunder in Overtime

In a game that felt like a playoff classic, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime to grab a 2-1 series lead. Despite a poor performance from reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, who went 0-11 from beyond the arc, the Nuggets found other ways to stay in the game, thanks in part to the contributions of their role players and a gritty defensive effort.

The Thunder came out strong early, with star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leading the way for Oklahoma City. The Thunder’s defense and the length of players like Chet Holmgren disrupted Denver’s offense in the first half, leading to a five-point lead at halftime. SGA, who had been dominant all series, was aggressive from the get-go, pulling up from mid-range and driving to the basket. However, Denver’s Aaron Gordon came alive in the second quarter, knocking down key three-pointers and keeping the Nuggets within striking distance.

In the third quarter, Michael Porter Jr. showcased his shooting prowess, hitting critical shots to bring Denver back into the game. Despite Jokić’s struggles, the Nuggets were able to tie the game at 32 thanks to timely buckets from Porter Jr. and Gordon. However, the real turning point came in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City had a golden opportunity to take control of the game, with Jokić playing well below his usual level. Jaylen Williams played one of the best games of his young career, pouring in 32 points and making clutch shots to keep the Thunder ahead. With under a minute to go, a three-pointer from Gordon tied the game at 102, sending it into overtime.

In the extra period, the Nuggets’ experience began to show. Jokić, despite his earlier struggles, managed to hit a crucial finger-roll layup. Jamal Murray, who had been steady throughout the game, found Porter Jr. for a huge three-pointer to give the Nuggets a five-point lead. On the other end, the Thunder’s offense stagnated, and Denver capitalized on every mistake. A timely steal by Murray led to a fast-break layup, and the Nuggets never looked back, securing a 110-104 win in overtime.

Aaron Gordon, who was pivotal down the stretch, contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Porter Jr. added 24 points. Murray also played a key role with 27 points and 8 assists. After the game, Gordon reflected on the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of staying composed after their blowout loss in Game 2. “We knew we had to come back here and protect the crib,” Gordon said. “We had to up our level of physicality and play without fouling.”

While the Nuggets secured the win, the Thunder will look back at this game as a missed opportunity. Despite holding Denver to one of their worst performances, they failed to capitalize. Oklahoma City will need to adjust their offense, as coach Mark Daigneault noted that they relied too heavily on isolation plays and didn’t create enough for teammates. The absence of a two-man game, like the one seen between Jokić and Murray, may have cost them the game in crunch time.

Cavs Fight Back, Donovan Mitchell Shines

Meanwhile, in Indiana, the Cleveland Cavaliers were on the brink of falling behind 3-0 in their series with the Pacers. After losing the first two games at home, the Cavs needed a win to avoid going down a nearly insurmountable 3-0 hole. With key reinforcements in the form of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and DeAndre Hunter returning to the lineup, Cleveland managed to get the job done with a dominant performance.

The Pacers started strong, energized by their home crowd and a fast-paced style of play. But Cleveland weathered the storm, with Donovan Mitchell once again leading the charge. Mitchell, who had been spectacular throughout the series, dropped 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most clutch players in the league. He made crucial shots in the second quarter, and in the second half, when the Pacers tried to claw back, Mitchell kept his foot on the gas.

The Pacers’ defense struggled to contain Mitchell, and the Cavaliers capitalized on every opportunity, especially in transition. The Cavs’ aggressive play on the glass led to 21 second-chance points in the first half alone, the most in a postseason half in over 20 years. The Cavs’ size and intensity in the paint were a big difference-maker, with Mobley pulling down key rebounds and playing excellent defense.

Indiana, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, fought hard in the second half, trying to mount a comeback. A late run by the Pacers brought the game within reach, but Mitchell’s timely fadeaways and acrobatic layups quelled any hopes of a full-blown comeback. His 43-point performance was complemented by stellar defense from Mobley and Garland, who helped hold down the Pacers’ attack.

After the game, Mitchell expressed the importance of the win. “We knew we couldn’t go home. They came in and stole two games on the road, so we had to return the favor,” Mitchell said. “With those guys back, it’s a huge relief for us. We did it together, and that’s what it’s going to take moving forward.”

Cleveland’s victory was a statement win, and it showed the strength of their full roster. While they still trail 2-1 in the series, they now have the momentum and the confidence to go back to Cleveland and try to tie things up.

What’s Next?

The series between Denver and Oklahoma City is now tied at 2-1, with the Nuggets taking back home-court advantage. The Thunder will need to regroup, adjust their offensive schemes, and find ways to overcome the Nuggets’ experience and the altitude advantage. For Denver, they must find a way to get Jokić back to his MVP-level performance if they hope to close out the series.

In the Cavs-Pacers series, Cleveland’s victory sets the stage for a dramatic Game 4. The Pacers, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to overcome Mitchell’s brilliance, and now the Cavs have regained hope. With their reinforcements back, Cleveland will look to tie the series at home.

With every game, the intensity ramps up, and the NBA Playoffs continue to deliver thrilling basketball for fans around the world.