The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a crucial victory in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing resilience amid challenging shooting conditions. The first round on [insert date] had both heavy hitters still working through their kinks. Ultimately, they shot poorly enough that their cumulative shooting percentage dropped to a measly 33.5%. This was the second-lowest shooting percentage in a playoff game since the Malice at the Palace prayer, the 2004 white-crossed brawl between the Pacers and Pistons. That game attended just 30.8%.
Though the shooting was an embarrassment across the board, some individual players did shine for the Thunder’s roster. Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins added 11 points apiece. Wallace hit two huge three pointers, igniting a crucial 11-0 run in the second half to provide separation. Wiggins contributed to this with a huge three-pointer, showing how important he was offensively in this one. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams, who had dazzled fans with a remarkable 32-point performance in Game 3, faced difficulties this time around, finishing with just 10 points on a challenging 2-for-13 shooting night.
In the fourth quarter, though, the Thunder refused to roll over. Peyton Watson opened the period with a hopeful-looking hook shot that foreshadowed an aggressive tone to the closing minutes. Denver’s Aaron Gordon then made it 73-66 with a turnaround jumper. His shot provided early momentum for a Denver comeback. The Thunder held their ground and shot well on a defense-less display.
Nikola Jokic, as he often does, gave the Nuggets an admirable performance, scoring 27 points and collecting 13 rebounds. His performance made Denver multiple comeback threats, but it wasn’t enough to counteract the competitive toughness and hunger of the Thunder. Neither team shot well from beyond the arc, combining to make 3 of 22 in the opening frame. This fight underscored the amount of elite defensive pressure both teams brought upon one another.
As the game evolved, so too did the understanding that each possession was critical. The Thunder managed to capitalize on their opportunities better than their opponents, ultimately securing a hard-fought win despite the low scoring.
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