Denver, CO — In Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 9, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder surged to a 2-1 series lead against the Denver Nuggets. Chet Holmgren led the charge for OKC, finishing the night with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block, as the Thunder outscored the Nuggets in a tense playoff battle.
After dropping Game 1, the Thunder hit back hard in Game 2, leveling the series at 1-1 with a dominant performance. The team rallied behind a resounding 34-point showing from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who also garnered 11 rebounds. But tonight, Holmgren and fellow teammate Jalen Williams, with 11 points, were pivotal in maintaining momentum during the crucial first half.
As the first quarter unfolded, Holmgren was quick out of the gate, becoming the first player to hit double digits, scoring 11 points. He showcased not just his scoring ability but a strong defensive presence that momentarily stunted the Nuggets’ strategies. Although Gilgeous-Alexander had a slow start, shooting just 1-for-8 in the first half, he contributed crucial rebounds and playmaking.
On the other hand, Denver aimed to respond with big contributions from Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. Despite Jokic finishing with only 8 points on 2-for-9 shooting and picking up two early fouls, Porter Jr. led the team with 15 points in the first half, keeping the game closely contested.
The first half ended with the Thunder leading by five points, signifying their intention to take control in Denver. Holmgren’s consistent performance thus far has sparked chatter about the potential for a breakout series that could elevate his profile across the league.
In the second quarter, the Nuggets attempted to rally, with a scoring run that saw a tied game at 32. However, they struggled defensively against the Thunder’s offense, which moved fluidly across the court. The moment was pivotal, serving as a reminder of the high stakes as both teams craved the playoff advantage.
Nuggets’ Coach Mike Malone acknowledged Holmgren’s impact, stating, “He’s a tough matchup for anybody. We gotta find a way to contain him moving forward. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long series for us.”
With Game 3 concluding, Oklahoma City is poised to capitalize if they can maintain their defense and scoring efficiency. The series will shift back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 after the upcoming Game 4 in Denver, heightening expectations among fans and sports analysts alike.
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