Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has one of the worst offenses of his career in Game 3 of his best game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
The three-time MVP scored only 20 points on just eight shots from 25 shots, missed all 10 3-pointers and tied for a playoff career high with eight turnovers.
However, the Nuggets managed to score a 113-104 overtime victory thanks to Aaron Gordon's three-pointer with 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Looks like a team that has been here before#milehighplayoffs pic.twitter.com/safll6wy7o
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 10, 2025
This is Gordon's third game or approved barrel in the last 30 seconds of the fourth quarter of the playoffs, including the 3 that won the game in Game 1 of this series.
“Basically, I was the worst player on the court tonight,” said Jokic, who recorded 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and two blocks. “But we won the game, and that's the most important thing. …I'm frustrated, but I'm trying to stay in the game to do small things. That night happened. These nights were cheering up.”
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic's Wrong End in NBA History
According to ESPN statistics and information, Jokic became the first NBA player to score 0 points from a 3-point range and made at least eight turnovers in any game.
However, Jokic did work overtime through his finger layups, and the Nuggets were no longer behind.
“I mean 20, 16 and six, what a bad NBA night,” Nuggets interim coach David Adelman cracked Jokic's statistics series. “I'm sure he's depressed [because he’s] Perhaps arguably one of the most effective players ever.
“Yes, I get it. I understand why he's frustrated. But the fourth game is coming and he'll touch a million times. Hopefully he keeps shooting.”
MVP's favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also performed poorly
Fortunately for Jokic, Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a favorite of the MVP beat Jokic this season and has missed a lot of goals.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot just 18 points on 22 shots, including eight in the fourth quarter. He also failed to make a shooting attempt in overtime.
“The game gets slower and execution is more important,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “At the moment the game slows down, it usually comes down to your best player playing and playing. I didn't do well enough tonight, and I think that's the main reason for the result.”
Additionally, Denver led 2-1 with 27 points from Jamal Murray, 22 points from Gordon and 21 points from a forceful Michael Porter Jr., who has sprained his left shoulder since his first game in the playoffs.
Thunder will remain in Denver this Sunday at Ball Arena.
