Grading the Thunder’s overtime loss to the Nuggets
By Ivan White
The Denver Nuggets won a thrilling overtime matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-126. Denver took an early lead that got as high as 19 in the first half, but the Thunder made a run to cut that lead down late in the second quarter. OKC surged ahead in the third quarter, but the Nuggets used the fourth quarter to get even and force overtime.
Denver blew a big early but stayed the course for an OT win
This one was all Denver to begin. The Nuggets jumped out to an early advantage in the first quarter with a 38-point period. Denver hoped to put the Thunder away as quickly as possible. However, its lead never crept past 19.
OKC kept chipping away at the deficit throughout the second quarter and got to the halftime break trailing by only six. Then, the Thunder roared. OKC used the third quarter to not just erase Denver’s lead but to build one of its own.
After losing the third quarter 34-15, Denver came into the final quarter looking to overcome the Thunder’s 13-point lead. The Nuggets used their experience and veteran savvy to wear down the Thunder, cut into the deficit, and eventually force overtime. The Nuggets were in control for the entire overtime period and used a Bruce Brown layup to seal the deal in the final seconds.