Thunder's Jalen Williams clears Chet Holmgren of responsibility for Game 1 debacle
Thunder's Nail-Biting Loss in Game 1: A Post-Game Analysis
OKLAHOMA CITY - The final seconds ticked away, with Oklahoma City Thunder clinging to a one-point lead (119-118). Star player Jalen Williams watched as Chet Holmgren missed two crucial free throws. The rebound found its way into Christian Braun's hands and, in a breath-taking dash, was launched up the court to Russell Westbrook. He found Aaron Gordon in the corner, who netted a heart-stopping three, snatching the game for the Denver Nuggets.
During the post-game press conference, Williams downplayed the significance of Holmgren's missed free throws, saying, "Yeah, that's not what decides games. If they don't make the three, we win. If I make the free throws, we probably still lose. There are many factors that come into play. It stinks, but it's good for character development. He'll learn from it."
With no timeouts and the clock winding down, the Nuggets seized the opportunity they needed for a comeback victory, erasing a 14-point deficit.
"The average swing in an NBA game is 13 points," Williams explained. "We know that's our norm for the playoffs. It's just that it didn't go our way tonight."
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, however, took responsibility for the team's late-game execution. "I did think the backcourt fouls hurt us. And again, I have to learn from that - fouling up close to three-point line," he said. "I have to execute the call better."
The Nuggets benefited from numerous free throws in the final moments as the Thunder found themselves in the penalty. Denver connected on 13-of-16 free throws in the last 6 minutes, leveraging this advantage to close the gap. Nikola Jokic led with an impressive 42 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Aaron Gordon contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Mark Daigneault on Intentional Fouls
Daigneault's controversial move to intentionally foul the Nuggets aimed at preventing a game-tying three-pointer. With the Thunder boasting the NBA's best regular-season defense and allowing the league's lowest opponent three-point percentage, it seemed like a sound strategy. However, Daigneault admitted that he erred in the execution of the fouls.
"I have to give the foul and get it executed better," he confessed. "That's not on the players. They're executing what I tell them to do."
The Thunder will host the Nuggets in Game 2 on Wednesday.
- Jalen Williams acknowledged that many factors contribute to game outcomes, despite Chet Holmgren missing crucial free throws, as Wednesday's playoffs match against the Denver Nuggets in basketball (sports) approaches.
- Russell Westbrook's last-second throw connected with Aaron Gordon, who netted a heart-stopping three, giving the Denver Nuggets a comeback victory despite a 14-point deficit in the recent NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Mark Daigneault took responsibility for the Thunder's late-game execution issues, admitting that he should have executed intentional fouls better in the playoffs match against the Denver Nuggets.
- In the final moments of the game, the Nuggets took advantage of numerous free throws, connecting on 13-of-16, a significant factor in reducing the Thunder's lead.
- Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets with an impressive stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds in the same game.
