Denver edged Chicago 124-117 in a fast-paced preseason clash where the Bulls showed defensive leakage and continuity gaps as they work to establish an identity. Chicago’s foul trouble and the Nuggets’ interior finishing kept the margin wide, underscoring questions about rim protection and discipline even as young talent flashed promise.

Matas Buzelis anchored the Bulls’ future, dropping 20 points and swatting five shots, signaling two-way upside and a potential defensive backbone as he grows into the NBA pace. Josh Giddy delivered a stat-stuffing performance for Oklahoma City, while veteran frontcourt pieces and bench players kept Chicago competitive late, highlighting growth areas and the pace of development ahead of the regular season.

On the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic’s limitations were highlighted against Denver’s bigs, even as Patrick Williams and Zack Collins offered bright spots from the bench. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry showed flashes of the role players Chicago hopes to lean on, with Terry in particular emblematic of the guard depth the team will rely on as it tightens rotations for the opening grind. Upcoming finale vs Minnesota looms as the last live tune-up before the real grind begins.

The upcoming Game 7 matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets is generating significant buzz as both teams vie for a chance in the NBA Conference Finals. The series has showcased intense competition, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill despite facing injuries. The Thunder's depth is a notable asset, particularly as they prepare against a Nuggets team that relies heavily on their star player, Nikola Jokic, and a thin rotation.

Analysts are closely monitoring the status of Aaron Gordon, whose potential absence could significantly impact Denver’s chances. While the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has performed consistently, the challenge lies in ensuring the supporting cast shines under pressure in a potential high-stakes environment. As fans look ahead to this pivotal game, the narrative of experience versus youth, along with team depth, will be crucial to determining the outcome.

In an intense playoff matchup, the Denver Nuggets edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119, highlighted by Nikola Jokic's phenomenal performance of 42 points and 22 rebounds. Aaron Gordon clinched the game with a decisive last-second three-pointer, marking the Nuggets' first lead in a game filled with back-and-forth momentum shifts. Throughout the game, Denver showcased their rebounding dominance, out-rebounding the Thunder by a staggering 20 boards, while Oklahoma City forced 18 turnovers. The closing moments were tense, but crucial hustle plays, particularly from Russell Westbrook, proved pivotal in securing the win.

The Boston Celtics suffered a surprising defeat against the New York Knicks, falling 108-105. Despite a solid start and a nine-point lead at one point, the Celtics' offense faltered in the second half, rushing into three-point attempts instead of executing their offensive sets. With shots not falling and a lack of rhythm, the Knicks capitalized on the Celtics' mistakes, ultimately taking the game late. Jaylen Brunson and Mikal Bridges stood out for the Knicks, showcasing resilience and composure in crunch time, proving once again that in playoff basketball, execution and adaptability are key.

In a thrilling start to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets pulled off an unexpected victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 121-119 thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Aaron Gordon. This win not only marked a significant series lead for Denver but also showcased their resilience after a tough Game 7 against the Clippers just two days prior. Nikola Jokic led the charge with an impressive 18 points in the fourth quarter, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.

The Denver Nuggets, despite facing injuries and recent turmoil in coaching, demonstrated their grit in a hostile environment, out-rebounding the Thunder significantly. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks shocked the Boston Celtics, erasing a 20-point deficit to clinch a 108-105 overtime win. Key performances from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby propelled the Knicks past a struggling Celtics team, which struggled with their shooting and defensive assignments.