After dropping two straight games, the Denver Nuggets responded with authority in Game 6, earning an impressive win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Facing growing skepticism about their playoff hopes, Denver’s offense came alive with four players finishing with more than 15 points. One of them, a key teammate of Nikola Jokic who was a game-time decision due to injury concerns, delivered a crucial performance. Speaking after the win, he reflected on his impact.
Just 45 minutes before Game 6, Jamal Murray‘s status was listed as questionable due to feeling ill in the morning hours. Nevertheless, he managed to play, scoring 25 points and contributing with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. With this, he was the Nuggets’ second leading scorer in the game.
After his strong performance, he confirmed experiencing some trouble breathing at times. “Once the game starts, the team needs you and the adrenaline kicks in…You see a couple of shots going in and you just suck it up and play through it,” stated Murray. Despite these issues, he managed to play 42 minutes, logging the most playing time in the game.
IInterim head coach David Adelman admitted he was very concerned about how Murray’s health would hold up throughout the game. “I kind of was watching the first six minutes [thinking], ‘Is this real? Can he do it?’…There was a couple of times where he really wanted to go back to get the ball. He was so gassed, having a hard time breathing. But that’s Jamal Murray… what a tough-minded, tough-minded man.“
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic addresses his thoughts on Game 7 vs. Thunder
Although Jamal Murray had a strong outing, Nikola Jokic took control of the Nuggets’ offense and set the tone throughout the game. Along with Christian Braun, the trio led the team in scoring and consistently challenged the Thunder’s defense with their versatility and execution.
“We have been there. It’s an interesting Game 7...You just go out there and play to the best of your capabilities, and hope for the best,” stated Nikola Jokic. Their mindset stems from experience, as the Nuggets have played in seven Game 7s since 2019. That experience provides them with a solid understanding of how to navigate pressure-filled moments on the biggest stage.
Jokic also spoke about what he believes will determine the outcome of the series: “Defense, details, rebounding for us especially for how much they are attacking the glass. Turnovers for us,” Jokic affirmed. With those elements in focus, the Nuggets are preparing for a pivotal clash on May 18 at the Paycom Center, where their postseason hopes will be on the line.