It was a back-and-forth game for the final minutes of Sunday's game between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, but OKC prevailed in the end, 107-103. Kevin Durant (41) and Russell Westbrook (31) combined for 72 of the Thunder's points in the four-point victory.
The Nuggets closed the first quarter of play with a 33-24 lead, but held just a one-point lead at halftime, 60-59. Both teams shot well all night long, the Nuggets at 50.6 percent and the Thunder at 49.4 percent. However, the Nuggets were hurt at the free throw line, making just 21-of-33. The Thunder made 22-of-28.
The Nuggets held a 101-100 lead with 40 seconds left in the game, but then Kendrick Perkins made a tip-in to put the Thunder up, 102-101. However, upon replay it was clearly goaltending as Perkins had his hand through the net as he touched the ball to put it over the rim. But, as with most blown calls, there were plenty of other opportunities for the Nuggets to help get the win, like making more of their free throw attempts.
Nene led the Nuggets with 22 points and eight rebounds. Danilo Gallinari followed him with 18 points, while Kenyon Martin turned in a solid 10-point, seven-rebound and five-assist game. Raymond Felton put up 12 points and dished the ball out for eight assists off the bench.
In addition to his 41 points, Durant grabbed nine boards. Westbrook pulled down six rebounds and handed the ball out for seven assists. Serge Ibaka had four blocks, equaling the Nuggets' team total.
With the Thunder up one game this series continues on Wednesday in Oklahoma City at 6:00 p.m. MT. TNT will have TV coverage again