Julian Strawther’s standout performance in the second half propelled the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing a decisive Game 7 on Sunday in Oklahoma City. Coming off the bench, Strawther scored all of his impressive 15 points in the latter half of the game, marking his first opportunity for extended play in the series.
Strawther expressed his excitement about making a significant impact, saying, “That’s the moment you dream of when you’re a little kid… and be able to just make an impact on the game.” His contribution was particularly notable as the Nuggets sought to bounce back after surrendering a fourth-quarter lead in Game 5.
In a memorable moment during the fourth quarter, Strawther lost a prosthetic tooth following contact with an Oklahoma City player, which was quickly retrieved by a ball boy. After the game, he humorously stated, “We got it back,” showcasing his commitment and resilience on the court.
The Nuggets bench played a crucial role in the victory, complementing the scoring of starters like Nikola Jokic, who contributed significantly with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Even with the Thunder’s bench outscoring the Nuggets’ reserves, the Denver bench showed improvements, delivering a stronger performance compared to previous games in the series.
Strawther shot an efficient 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. His performance helped the team maintain momentum during crucial moments, particularly while Jokic rested. After being limited in previous games, Strawther praised interim coach David Adelman for trusting him and keeping a transparent communication throughout the playoffs.
The Nuggets are approaching Game 7 with determination, especially as Aaron Gordon’s status remains uncertain after he injured his left hamstring. Gordon stated he would begin the recovery process immediately to prepare for the crucial matchup. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. continues to play through a sprained shoulder, acknowledging the challenges but maintaining his focus on contributing to the team’s success.
The anticipation for Game 7 is building, and with key players stepping up and showing resilience, the Nuggets are poised for a strong challenge ahead.