Jamal Murray buried 27 points and hit a clutch three to force overtime as the Denver Nuggets overpowered the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 to seize a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
After being blown out in Game 2, the defending champions clawed through a tense contest that saw 15 lead changes and six in a frenetic fourth quarter. But it was Denver who rose when it mattered, outscoring the Thunder 14-5 in the extra period.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 16 rebounds despite an inefficient shooting night, while Aaron Gordon stepped up with 22 points, including the game-tying triple.
“It was everybody,” Murray said. “They tested us all night, and we were able to stick with it. It was a good team win.”
The Thunder had their chances. Jalen Williams led with 32 points and Chet Holmgren posted a double-double, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faltered, shooting 7-of-22 in a subdued performance.
Game 4 is Sunday in Denver, where the Nuggets will look to tighten their grip on the series.
In the East, Donovan Mitchell erupted for 43 points to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers alive with a 126-104 win over the Indiana Pacers, trimming the series deficit to 2-1.
After back-to-back losses at home, Cleveland faced a must-win, and Mitchell responded with another explosive performance, adding nine rebounds and five assists. This time, he had help.
Darius Garland returned from injury with 10 points, Evan Mobley dominated defensively with 18 points, 13 boards and three blocks, and Tyrese Haliburton was held to just four points.
The Cavaliers led from the outset, taking an 11-0 lead and never trailing, despite a brief Pacers rally late in the game.
“We let one slip at home. I couldn’t let that happen again,” Mitchell said. “But it wasn’t just me—we got stops and made plays.”
Cleveland will try to level the series in Indianapolis on Sunday.
