The Denver Nuggets aren’t done yet. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, Denver came out with urgency and energy, powered by a remarkable performance from a flu-stricken Jamal Murray.
The star guard dropped 25 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists to lift his team to a 119-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing a decisive Game 7.
Murray’s status was uncertain leading up to the game, with illness limiting his participation in pregame warmups. But when the lights came on, he answered the call. Early in the game, he nailed a four-point play that ignited both the crowd and his teammates.
Later, he hit a momentum-shifting step-back three-pointer in the fourth quarter, giving the Nuggets their first double-digit lead. His performance wasn’t just about scoring-it was about leadership, resilience, and the kind of clutch play that defines postseason basketball.
Supporting cast rises to the moment
While Murray drew the headlines, Denver’s success came from contributions across the roster. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic was again instrumental, finishing with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. His control of the paint and playmaking set the tone, especially in the second half.
One of the game’s breakout performances came from Christian Braun, who delivered a career-high 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
The young guard was active on both ends of the floor, bringing hustle and energy that fueled several crucial Denver runs.
In the end all three of Jokic, Murray and Braun recorded 20+ points, 8+ rebounds & 5+ assists.
The last trio to do that in an NBA playoff game was the Celtics’ John Havlicek, Sam Jones & Bill Russell on April 26, 1966, showing just how big the Nuggets trio were in a game they needed to win to keep their season alive.
Julian Strawther also made the most of his minutes, adding 15 points in the second half and helping to steady the second unit during key stretches.
The Thunder weren’t without highlights of their own. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up 32 points, showing why he’s one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.
Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also made solid contributions, but Oklahoma City struggled to contain Denver’s multi-pronged attack in the final quarter.
Now, the series heads back to Oklahoma City for a winner-take-all Game 7. The Thunder hold home-court advantage, but the Nuggets are carrying confidence and momentum thanks to their gutsy Game 6 performance.
Game 7 promises high drama, with both teams just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals. All eyes will be on Jamal Murray-who proved in Game 6 that even illness can’t stop him from showing up when it matters most.
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