By Daniel Paiz

Jamal Murray was listed as questionable today due to feeling ill before Game 6 tipped off. That never prevented him from playing, as the Nuggets dig in at home with a 119-107 win, forcing Game 7 on Sunday. Murray scored 25 points, nabbed eight rebounds and dished seven assists, while partner-in-crime Nikola Jokic added 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.

Christian Braun had a big game with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Underutilized role player Julian Strawther scored 15 big points, all of which were in the second half. Strawther has been known to have range from three, but his scoring and steady defense were big off the bench for the Nuggets.

Game 6 Recap

First Quarter

Murray hits a three, is fouled, and hits the and-one to make it 4-2 in the opening moments of the game. Murray has six of Denver’s first eight points. Murray then grabs a steal and is fouled, and with 8:06 to go #27 is the motor for Denver.

An Aaron Gordon three and a Braun dunk later, and midway through the first Nuggets lead 18-12. Ball movement is back to what it needs to be. kicking the ball out, and having patience shows things are clicking as it’s 30-20 with 2:32 to go. However, the foot is taken off the gas with the subs, and Denver’s 31-28 lead after one narrows. Murray has 11 points so far.

Second Quarter

There’s a lot of hustle in these first three minutes, but not a lot of scoring. Denver needs to figure out scoring as a 37-34 lead with 9:02 left has things tight. These one-sided calls from the refs have been absolutely pathetic, if Watson isn’t fouled on his layup attempt, then Holmgren isn’t fouled on his (or they’re both fouled but call it both ways).

A 45-43 OKC lead has turned into a physical game, where the Nuggets need to keep attacking. A 61-58 OKC lead at halftime shows some fight from Denver to cut down a double-digit deficit since the two-minute mark. Braun has 15 points, while Murray has 13 points while playing sick.

Third Quarter

Jokic weaves through two defenders for a layup, Murray snakes around before nailing a shot, and Denver makes it 62-61 to open the second half. This back-and-forth battle has been top-tier playoff basketball. Murray hits a layup and makes the and-one free throw to tie things up at 76 halfway through the third. 80-78 with under three minutes reflects how this third is another rough patch of hard-fought shots and methodical possessions. Jokic outlet pass to Murray leads to an acrobatic layup and an 85-80 Denver lead. Multiple Strawther threes in the last minute helps Denver gain a 90-82 lead before the fourth starts.

Fourth Quarter

The bench guys are stepping up as Strawther and Watson are playing good defense and giving the Nuggets some extra energy. Strawther and Murray are getting buckets as Denver leads 97-88 with 6:49 to play. Ball movement has stayed consistent, as has the defensive efforts by the home team. That paired with a big Jokic pass to Strawther three makes it 109-93 with under four minutes to play. Jokic hits free throws to make it 111-99 with under two left; OKC gets a three-point play to counter it and make it 111-102. Jokic knocks down more free throws to make it 117-107 with less than a minute left. Braun hits two more free throws, Murray gets a solid block, and the Nuggets secure the 119-107 victory. This series is tied up 3-3 and Game 7 is Sunday.

Keys to Game 7

• Role Players

Peyton Watson’s four points, three rebounds, one steal and one block aren’t going to be a major talking point. However, the energy Watson brought alongside Strawther’s offensive onslaught was one of those little things that earn you the win. The bench guys have a primary role of bringing energy, and tonight they had huge impacts on both ends of the court.

When it’s Strawther scoring threes, that’s a plus. When it’s Westbrook in other games getting a double-double, that’s vital. This extends to Braun and Michael Porter Jr. in that if they play their roles to the best of their ability, Denver has a very good chance of advancing. Jokic and Murray, they’ll do their thing. Ideally Gordon has a bounce back game. But the guys who have been quiet, or the bench guys who are getting a chance, those guys win this series.

• Defense

Consistent effort is all that can be asked for in Game 7. There were times down the stretch towards the end of the fourth where OKC got easy buckets. The win could’ve been closer to 20, but the momentum of that ending made it feel like an under ten-point win. Actively moving with OKC will make it harder for them to get going. Frustrating SGA and the other starters will have to be a big focus on Sunday.

Defense wins championships, but it also wins series clinchers The Nuggets have what it takes. Sunday they just have to outmuscle the other guys.

Bonus Content

Mile High Recap with Plumas Poetic is back for episode 13 below.