Denver Steals Game 1 After Disastrous Late Game Coaching by OKC

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault widely is considered to be one of the best coaches in the league.

He led the team to the best record in the Western Conference, and by all accounts is an elite tactician. While all of this is true, Daigneault charitably called a horrible game down the stretch as the Thunder collapsed in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Denver Nuggets came from behind to beat OKC on the road by a score of 121-119. Aaron Gordon hit a go-ahead three with 2.8 seconds to ultimately win the game.

Nikola Jokic was unsurprisingly brilliant — scoring 42 points, grabbing 22 rebounds, accruing six assists, and blocking two shots for good measure. Gordon and Jamal Murray combined for 43 points. Christian Braun compiled 13 big rebounds, and Russell Westbrook chipped in efficiently with 18 points off the bench.

As for OKC, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points. Six OKC players scored in double-figures — including Alex Caruso who was wildly dynamic in the loss. He scored 20 points, had six assists, two blocks, and five steals.

It appeared as if the Thunder had control of the contest heading down the stretch. In classic Jokic form, he was making play after play. Even with OKC winning in the final minute, Daigneault had the team fouling theoretically so Denver couldn’t tie the game with a three.

This proved to be a faulty strategy. OKC fouled way too quick on multiple possessions. It didn’t allow time to tick away, and as such it extended the game in a way that was bizarre. Denver hit its free throws, and Chet Holmgren missed two big free throw attempts down the stretch which was then followed by Gordon’s game-winner. It was a bizarre last minute of coaching for Daigneault — not to mention the Thunder’s inability to attack Michael Porter Jr. on the other end of the floor despite him playing with an injury.

Down 1-0, all the pressure now sits with this upstart OKC squad. Another loss at home with a trip to Denver looming could spell true disaster.