Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets hits a game-winning jumper over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets sneers as teammates mob him after hitting a game-winning jumper over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder tip off during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound away from Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets looks off the defense of Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Luguentz Dort (5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets speaks to head coach David Adelman during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets retains possession as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Oklahoma City Thunder defend during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets wipes his face as Jamal Murray (27) talks to teammates during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder yells during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound over Cason Wallace (22) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets backs down Cason Wallace (22) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets blows by Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets drives between Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Cason Wallace (22) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets watches as a three pointer misses the mark during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder spins as Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets blocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets battles with Luguentz Dort (5) and Aaron Wiggins (21) of the Oklahoma City Thunder for position after a blocked shot by Chet Holmgren (7) during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets finishes as Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls during the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15), Russell Westbrook (4) and Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets battle against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), Jalen Williams (8) and Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Oklahoma City Thunder for a rebound during the third quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets jaws with referee Josh Tiven (58) after a foul call on Christian Braun (0) during the third quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets draws a foul from Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Christian Braun (0) and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets battle against Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder for a rebound during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets elbows Luguentz Dort (5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the head during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Luguentz Dort (5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder writhes in pain after absorbing an elbow to the head from Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets checks on Luguentz Dort (5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder after elbowing him in the head during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Luguentz Dort (5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder uses an unconventional fishhook maneuver to defend Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts cooly after making a three pointer over Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets draws a quadruple-man effort from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), Luguentz Dort (5), Jalen Williams (8) and Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound away from Alex Caruso (9) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Alex Caruso (9) of the Oklahoma City Thunder points to Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets after fouling Russell Westbrook (4) during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets grabs a loose ball seconds before Jamal Murray (27) calls a timeout to prevent a jump-ball situation from Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets works as Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) and Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets defend Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defends an inbound pass by Alex Caruso (9) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates hitting a game-winning jumper over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets is mobbed by teammates after making a game-winning shot over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Julian Strawther (3) of the Denver Nuggets admires the celebration between Nikola Jokic (15) and Peyton Watson (8) after a game-winning shot by Aaron Gordon (32) over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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Aaron Gordon (32) of the Denver Nuggets hits a game-winning jumper over Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 121-119 win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Nuggets took a 1-0 Western Conference semifinal lead with their win. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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By AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED:
Getting your player ready...
The Denver Nuggets faced the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025. Denver won 121-119.
