Nikola Jokić Revealing the Key Player Behind the Nuggets’ Game 6 Victory Over the Thunder

Nikola Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP and centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, is no stranger to high-stakes playoff battles. In the 2024-25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, Jokic has once again carried his team through a grueling series, this time against a rising force in the West — the Oklahoma City Thunder. As both teams gear up for a decisive Game 7, Jokic has made it clear who he believes made the critical difference in the Nuggets’ recent surge — and it’s not a household name. Enter Julian Strawther, a rookie guard who had barely seen minutes throughout the series, but whose unexpected performance in Game 6 has shifted the narrative.

Julian Strawther Steps Up When It Matters Most

With the series on the line, the Nuggets needed a spark. That spark came from an unlikely source: Julian Strawther, the 2023 first-round pick out of Gonzaga. Playing just 20 minutes off the bench, Strawther poured in 15 points, shot 3-of-4 from three-point range, and brought energy to both ends of the court. It was a breakout moment for the young guard, and Nikola Jokic was the first to acknowledge his impact. “Julian was big for us,” Jokic said after the game. “Of course, he made big shots — he had a big three. He was attacking the ball. He had a couple of big rebounds at the end.” Strawther, who had been mostly absent from the playoff rotation, showed poise, confidence, and readiness. In a postseason filled with stars like Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it was the rookie who helped push the series to a seventh and final game.

Nikola Jokic’s Steady Dominance Continues

While Strawther may have delivered the surprise of the night, Nikola Jokic once again served as the bedrock of Denver’s performance. With 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, Jokic flirted with another playoff triple-double, showcasing the all-around brilliance that earned him two MVP awards and a Finals MVP in 2023. He orchestrated the offense with precision, scored in the post, hit timely jumpers, and dominated the glass. His ability to elevate his teammates while still shouldering a massive individual workload continues to define his greatness. “We’ve been there,” Jokic said when asked about the upcoming Game 7. “It’s an interesting Game 7. You just go out there and play to the best of your capabilities and hope for the best.”

Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP Clash Reaches Its Peak

This series has featured two of the NBA’s brightest stars: Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both legitimate MVP candidates for the 2024-25 season. Gilgeous-Alexander has been electric for the Thunder, averaging over 30 points per game in the series and dazzling with his mid-range scoring, step-back threes, and slashing ability. Jokic, on the other hand, has countered with his trademark blend of scoring, passing, and basketball IQ. The duel between these two stars has been must-see TV, and with Game 7 looming, the spotlight grows even brighter. But as Jokic pointed out, the series won’t be won by star power alone. It’s the smaller details — the plays that don’t always show up in box scores — that will ultimately determine who advances to the Western Conference Finals.

The Importance of Execution and Mental Focus

In his postgame comments, Jokic laid out exactly what will be necessary for Denver to win Game 7. “Defense, details, rebounding — especially with how much they’re attacking the glass. Turnovers for us,” he explained. “It depends how the game opens up. They want to push the pace, drive and kick, and get clean looks. We might want a bit of a slower game that creates open looks differently.” This breakdown reflects the high basketball IQ that Jokic is known for. The Nuggets and Thunder play contrasting styles: OKC thrives on pace, spacing, and drive-and-kick offense, while Denver prefers a more methodical approach centered around Jokic’s post-ups and playmaking. For Jokic, dictating tempo and controlling the glass are crucial keys to success. “I think the details — defense, box-outs, turnovers — that’s probably going to decide the winner,” he added.

The Rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder

While Denver entered the postseason as defending champions, the Thunder have been the breakout team of the Western Conference. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City has surged into contender status with a fearless young core. Their fast-paced offense and switch-heavy defense have given the Nuggets problems throughout the series. Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, has emerged as a superstar, showing poise and polish beyond his years. The Thunder’s success has not come by accident — their roster, built through savvy drafting and player development, is now reaping the rewards of years of patience. They’ve shown no signs of backing down from the challenge of facing a seasoned playoff team like Denver.

Julian Strawther: From Benchwarmer to Playoff Hero

What makes Julian Strawther’s performance even more remarkable is how little he was used earlier in the series. With veterans like Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Michael Porter Jr. shouldering most of the backcourt duties, Strawther was largely an afterthought in head coach Michael Malone’s rotation. But injuries and inconsistent bench production forced Malone to take a gamble — and it paid off. Strawther’s confidence never wavered, and when his number was called, he delivered. Jokic emphasized this mental resilience, saying, “He didn’t play basically the whole series, but he stayed ready and stepped up in the big moment.” It’s a reminder that playoff success often hinges on the contributions of unexpected heroes. With Game 7 on the horizon, Strawther may once again be called upon to make an impact.

Can the Nuggets Repeat as Champions?

After winning their first title in franchise history in 2023, the Denver Nuggets entered this season with high expectations. Though they’ve faced adversity in this series, they’ve shown the resilience of a championship-caliber team. Jokic continues to play at an elite level, Jamal Murray has had clutch moments, and now their role players are beginning to rise to the occasion. With a Game 7 at home on the horizon, the Nuggets have an opportunity to prove that last year’s title run was no fluke. Jokic’s leadership, basketball brilliance, and ability to rally his team in critical moments make them a dangerous threat in any playoff environment.

Thunder’s Youthful Edge vs. Nuggets’ Veteran Experience

The contrast in team makeup between the Thunder and Nuggets couldn’t be starker. OKC leans heavily on a youthful core full of energy, speed, and creativity. Denver counters with playoff-hardened veterans and the best big man in the world. This dichotomy sets the stage for an epic Game 7, where poise under pressure and tactical adjustments will define the outcome. Will the Nuggets’ experience carry them through? Or will the Thunder’s fearless youth finally break through and claim their place among the league’s elite? Jokic knows it could go either way, and he isn’t underestimating the opponent.

Final Thoughts Ahead of Game 7

Nikola Jokic’s praise for Julian Strawther wasn’t just about giving credit where it’s due — it was a subtle message about what it takes to win in the playoffs. Every player matters. Every possession matters. For Denver to advance, they’ll need not just Jokic’s greatness, but contributions from every corner of the roster. That includes defense, rebounding, limiting turnovers, and being mentally prepared for a dogfight. Game 7 promises to be a classic — a battle of styles, wills, and superstars. But if history is any guide, don’t be surprised if Jokic once again finds a way to tilt the scales in Denver’s favor. And if Julian Strawther has another big night in him, the Nuggets may just write another chapter in their championship journey.