The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder got here up brief in Sport 6 in opposition to the Denver Nuggets, falling 119–107 and organising a must-win Sport 7. For Thunder ahead Jalen Williams, the reason for the loss was clear: too many journeys to the free-throw line for the Nuggets.
After the sport, Williams didn’t maintain again when requested what went fallacious. “We put them on the free-throw line an excessive amount of. That is a controllable for positive,” he mentioned post-game. “We did not do one of the best job controlling among the stretches of the sport. We paid the value for that.”
Williams’ phrases have been backed up by the numbers. The Nuggets made 24 of their 29 free throw makes an attempt, capitalizing on each alternative. In distinction, the Thunder managed simply 13 out of 17 from the road. That 11-point distinction loomed massive as the sport unfolded.
Foul bother was a significant challenge for the Thunder. The crew dedicated 24 fouls in whole, handing Denver straightforward factors on the line and disrupting their defensive stream. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the Thunder with 32 factors, discovered himself in foul bother early. He picked up his fourth foul earlier than halftime, forcing him to play extra cautiously for the remainder of the sport. Key contributors like Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams additionally struggled, every selecting up three fouls that restricted their defensive affect.
Each foul appeared to show into straightforward factors for Denver, and the Thunder discovered themselves battling uphill for a lot of the evening. Jamal Murray led the cost for the Nuggets, placing up 25 factors, eight rebounds, and 7 assists regardless of battling an sickness.
His aggressive drives to the basket incessantly drew contact, sending him to the road the place he made the Thunder pay. Nikola Jokić added his regular dominance with 29 factors and 14 rebounds, whereas Christian Braun stepped up with 23 factors and 11 boards.
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Off the bench, Julian Strawther offered a much-needed spark, dropping 15 factors within the second half to maintain Denver’s momentum rolling. For Oklahoma Metropolis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did all the pieces he might to maintain his crew within the struggle, scoring 32 factors and attacking the basket relentlessly.
Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren added 19 factors and 11 rebounds, persevering with his spectacular postseason run. However even their mixed efforts weren’t sufficient to beat the free-throw disparity and Denver’s environment friendly scoring.
The Thunder now face a win-or-go-home state of affairs in Sport 7. Williams made it clear that limiting the Nuggets’ probabilities on the line will likely be a prime precedence. “It is one thing we are able to management. We simply should be smarter and extra disciplined,” he mentioned.
The stage is ready for an intense showdown, with the winner shifting on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves within the Western Convention Finals. For Oklahoma Metropolis, Sport 7 isn’t just about survival—it’s about proving they’ll play smarter, cleaner basketball when it issues most.
For Denver, it’s one other probability to capitalize on their strengths and push ahead. All eyes will likely be on the free-throw line, the place Williams believes the sport might as soon as once more be received or misplaced.