A bitter birthday for Hartenstein: Thunder lose playoff duel!
A bitter birthday for Hartenstein: Thunder lose playoff duel!
The Oklahoma City Thunder experienced a bitter start to the NBA Playoffs 2025, when they lost 119: 121 in the first game of the Western Conference semi-finals. Aaron Gordon secured the victory for Denver by transforming the decisive throw 3.6 seconds before the end. Regardless of this dramatic turn, Denver had not been able to recapture the lead since the first quarter.
Nikola Jokic was the outstanding player for the nuggets and scored an impressive 42 points and 22 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein, who played on his 27th birthday, also provided a solid performance with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 template and 1 block. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best thrower with 33 points. The second game of the Best-of-Seven series takes place on Wednesday evening (local time) in Oklahoma City.
key to victory
The Thunder, number one in the Seed list, could have used some strategic elements that day to secure the move into the next round. Among the four key points you should use, it is emphasized that you have to rely on the youth to overtake the older nuggets. Denver is known as the tenth oldest team in the league, while the Thunder have a variety of young talents.
In addition, the thin rotation of the nuggets is a potential advantage for the Thunder, which are able to use more than ten players effectively. In order to better contain the fast playing style of the nuggets that achieve the most fastbreak points per game, Oklahoma City also has to further strengthen her transition defense, which is already one of the best in the league. A key player for the Thunder could be Hartenstein, who should compete against Jokic and secure important rebounds.
Surprising turns in the Eastern Conference
In the coming week, the tension in the playoffs will continue to increase, especially if the Thunder and the Nuggets as well as the Knicks and Celtics continue their series. There are also special attention to the change of coaches and future prospects of various teams, such as the uncertain future of Dennis Schröder and the resignation of other important figures in the league.
The current player side is peppered with interesting developments, with players like Luka Doncic, who finances the restoration of a sad murals from Kobe and Gigi Bryant, while Stephon Castle is honored as Rookie of the Year. These events and the dynamics within the teams will surely increase the anticipation for the next games.
For further details on the playoffs and play results, readers can report the reports of , Kicker consult.
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| Ort | Oklahoma City, USA |
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