An ESPN analyst made a bold statement regarding the Denver Nuggets' title chances after their victory in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For live updates and highlights from the Thunder's Game 3 against the Nuggets, regularly check back to this post: Start time: 9 p.m. CT Thunder: Nikola Topic (torn ACL) is out. Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II (torn Achilles) is out. Michael Porter Jr.

The Oklahoma City Thunder dropped their series opener against the Denver Nuggets, but came back with a vengeance in Game 2 of their second-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. With the series tied 1-1, the action shifts to Denver for Game 3 on Friday night.

According to Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, these are the growing pains the second-youngest first seed has to go through to have playoff success. The title favorite now faces a 2-1 series deficit and must split with Denver to avoid a dreaded 3-1 hole.

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said after the Nuggets' 149-106 Game 2 loss Wednesday that the Thunder is “fouling. Point blank, period.” Mark Daigneault had his own take.

After a 113-104 loss in overtime, where the Denver Nuggets grabbed an 11-2 advantage in the extra period, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault says adversity is par for the course. To be great and fulfill the championship aspirations put forth by his 2024-25 Thunder squad comes with hurdles.