The Denver Nuggets escaped a game one loss to the top-seed OKC Thunder with some late heroics, once again, from emerging star forward Aaron Gordon. The momentum shift in the fourth quarter could be attributed to a shutdown in the key of NBA regular-season scoring champ and MVP front-runner Shai-Gilgeous Alexander.
SGA, with just shy of 40 minutes on the floor, was at times dominant, scoring 33 points. By parking a defender at all times in the key, though, Denver could contain Oklahoma City’s half-court offense just enough to win.
The Nuggets would have no reason to alter or change this defensive scheme for the remainder of the series. They have, in effect, shut down SGA’s lane to the basket and have forced him to be creative, with unorthodox shooting positions, often beyond the arc.
Given that SGA was just two of six in three-point attempts, it was by design that the only shots the Nuggets offered the perennial first-team all-NBA star were low-percentage ones.
Of course, the open three-point shot could come back to haunt the Nuggets if the Thunder implement sharpshooter Alex Caruso into their half-court offensive plan. Caruso hit five of nine three-point attempts to contribute admirably to OKC’s steady lead through most of the game.
It became apparent that the Thunder’s inability to attack the rim and draw fouls was becoming frustrating. OKC is used to SGA controlling his lanes, and with the Denver Nuggets’ defence, or more specifically, Nikola Jokic standing like a brick wall at the top of the key, that simply wasn’t an option.
OKC’s plan will likely shift to speed and tempo. By outrunning the Nuggets, they will hope to build a lead that Jokic, Gordon, Murray, and Westbrook won’t be able to come back from. This plan will backfire. The inside is almost impenetrable, and OKC does not have enough offensive options outside of SGA to beat the Nuggets in a seven-game series.
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