Game 4 Breakdown:
1st Half:
- The Denver Nuggets came out looking like they had found their rhythm, hitting 3 threes total in the first half and leading by six heading into the break.
- Jamal Murray connected from deep, and Nikola Jokić found his touch briefly, spacing the floor with a timely three-pointer of his own.
3rd Quarter:
- Denver caught fire from beyond the arc, draining seven threes in the third after making just three in the first half.
- Nuggets pushed their lead to six once again, appearing to take control with the score sitting at Denver 79, OKC 73 entering the 4th.
4th Quarter:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) took over late, scoring 9 points in the final frame and making clutch baskets that underscored his evolution from star to closer.
- His step-back fadeaway and assertive drives showed poise and maturity, especially after his late-game struggles in Game 3.
- The Thunder defense clamped down, forcing turnovers and limiting Denver to just 19 fourth-quarter points.
Key Stats:
- SGA: 28 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 9 points in the 4th
- Nikola Jokić: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 turnovers
- Jamal Murray: 17 points, but only 5 in the 4th (2-7 shooting)
- Nuggets as a team: Shot 39% FG, 32% from three, and committed 16 turnovers
Expert Analysis:
Fatigue Factor:
- Nikola Jokić logged 43 minutes and showed visible signs of fatigue, a possible byproduct of Denver’s 10 games in 13 days stretch.
- His 39% FG for the series is on pace to be a career postseason low, and his nearly 6 turnovers per game are also a concerning high.
- Analysts attribute this to both physical and mental wear, especially as he’s had to shoulder not only scoring and playmaking but also leadership amid injuries and inconsistent bench production.
Thunder’s Youthful Edge:
- OKC’s pace and defensive pressure — particularly their ability to swarm Jokic with help and recover — wore Denver down.
- Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort continue to make life hard for Nuggets slashers and bigs in the paint.
Momentum Shift:
- With the series now tied 2–2, and Game 5 looming in Denver, the psychological edge may be shifting toward OKC.
- If the Nuggets can’t find fresh legs or new offensive wrinkles, their title defense could be in serious jeopardy.
Quote of the Night – Nikola Jokić:
“They’re physical, their hands are active… Sometimes you just gotta make a shot. It’s a little bit of everything right now.”
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