Aaron Gordon’s ice cold game-winner silences OKC in Game 1 [VIDEO]
Aaron Gordon Hits Another Game-Winner, Lifts Denver Over OKC
On May 5, 2025, Aaron Gordon stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a game-winning 3-pointer that secured the Denver Nuggets a 121-119 victory in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The shot, delivered with just 2.8 seconds remaining, capped off a dramatic comeback by the defending champions and gave Denver a 1-0 lead in the series.
The play was reminiscent of Gordon’s earlier heroics in the playoffs—just over a week prior, he delivered a buzzer-beating dunk to defeat the Clippers in the first round. Now, with another dagger in his arsenal, Gordon is building a reputation as one of the most clutch performers of the 2025 postseason.
The Context: Late-Game Collapse by OKC
The Thunder held a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter and had control for most of the game. But with under 10 seconds remaining, leading 119-118, rookie Chet Holmgren missed two free throws. Christian Braun rebounded the second miss and passed to Russell Westbrook, who drove into the paint and found Gordon open on the left wing. Guarded by the 7-foot Holmgren, Gordon calmly knocked down the three, stunning the home crowd.
Oklahoma City had no timeouts left and missed a desperate heave at the buzzer. After posting the best record in franchise history, at 68-14, they start the second round 0-1. Even worse? The loss was at home. This follows the Thunder posting the best season in NBA history since the Warriors’ record-breaking 73-9 record. Infamously, that Warriors’ team struggled in the playoffs before blowing a 3-1 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Game 1 Highlights and Key Performances
In Game 1, these were the key players who brought the game to life:
Aaron Gordon:
- 22 points (6-14 FG, 2-5 3PT, 5-5 FT)
- 14 rebounds
- Game-winning shot
Gordon’s performance was pivotal. He not only delivered the final blow but also contributed key rebounds, hustle plays, and defensive stops—most notably holding Jalen Williams to 5-of-19 shooting.
Nikola Jokić:
- 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists
- Scored 18 points in the fourth quarter
Despite being in foul trouble, Jokić dominated the late stages of the game and was essential in Denver’s comeback.
Russell Westbrook:
- 10 points
- Delivered the assist on the game-winning shot
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
- 33 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
- Strong performance, but the Thunder faltered in crunch time
Alex Caruso:
- 20 points, 6 assists, 5 steals
Gordon’s Evolution into a Clutch Performer
Historically, Gordon has been known for his athleticism and defense, not long-range shooting. But in the 2024-25 season, he shot a career-best 43.6% from three. The improvement is attributed to intense practice routines in a custom-built gym at his home. Teammate Christian Braun said, “He lives in a gym, literally.”
Denver acquired Gordon in 2021, and since then, he has become a reliable contributor on both ends. Interim coach David Adelman praised him postgame: “He’s the soul of our team.” Now, he’s brought Denver an unexpected, but timely win.
During his time with the Orlando Magic, 2014-2021, Gordon was known as a dunker. Back then, he looked like he would evolve into a franchise player. However, he would also request to leave the Magic. That gave him a lot in common with the organization’s past franchise players. Like them, he went West and won a title.
Gordon is now becoming known for his playoff game-winners. In 2025, alone, he has two of those.
Strategic Breakdown
In the end, for all of their high-octane, organized offense, the Thunder were not enough. As a result, their former leader, Russell Westbrook walked out with the win. Unfortunately for the Thunder, it happened while he’s playing for the Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, Westbrook is celebrating the win with Aaron Gordon and the rest of the Nuggets.
Thunder’s Mistake: OKC opted to foul early in the final minute to preserve the clock. But that strategy left enough time for Denver to execute a clean possession, which ended in Gordon’s shot. Holmgren’s missed free throws also proved fatal.
Nuggets’ Grit: Denver trailed for most of the game, shot just 2-of-15 from three in the first half, and committed 12 turnovers. But their championship experience helped them claw back. OKC, by contrast, showed signs of inexperience in high-pressure moments.
Reactions: Praise and Criticism
After the game, everybody had a lot to say about Aaron Gordon. His performance highlights the potential that was always there.
Teammates and Coaches:
- Jokić: “He probably doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves.”
- Westbrook: “AG was ready to shoot it. He’s been making big shots all year long.”
Social Media:
- NBA on X: “AARON GORDON 3 FOR THE WIN!!! @nuggets take Game 1 in a THRILLER ”
- @JoelLorenzi: “OKC’s inexperience showed in the clutch.”
- @ThunderInsider: “This loss is on Daigneault. The foul strategy and poor execution late were disastrous.”
Historical Significance
Gordon’s buzzer-beater against the Clippers was the first game-winning dunk in playoff history since the NBA began play-by-play tracking in 1997. Now, with a second iconic moment in less than 10 days, he’s rewriting his playoff résumé.
Comparisons have already been made to clutch legends like Robert Horry and Ray Allen. ESPN’s Mark Jones commented, “That’s a cold-blooded shot—one that lives forever if the Nuggets repeat.”
Looking Ahead: Game 2 and Series Implications
The Nuggets stole home-court advantage and now lead 1-0 heading into Game 2 on May 7. Denver’s composure and playoff experience give them an edge, especially given Jamal Murray’s absence due to injury management.
For OKC, the series is far from over. But adjustments must be made—particularly in late-game execution. With a young core and deep bench, the Thunder can bounce back, but they’ll need to shake off the sting of a blown Game 1.
Final Word
Aaron Gordon’s game-winner was more than a highlight—it was a statement. The Nuggets, tired from a grueling seven-game series with the Clippers, walked into OKC and snatched a win from the top seed. Gordon’s continued growth into a reliable, clutch shooter could be a defining storyline of this postseason.
As fans debate Holmgren’s missed free throws and Daigneault’s late-game strategy, one thing is clear: Gordon has earned his place in the playoff spotlight.
Whether this shot becomes a footnote or a finals prelude, the 2025 NBA Playoffs just found one of its defining moments.