Julian Strawther scored a career-high 23 points and led the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 111-103 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, forcing a decisive Game 7. The 23-year-old guard’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, as he single-handedly sparked a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter that gave the Nuggets a crucial lead.
Strawther’s heroics came after he suffered a fake tooth injury during the game, but fortunately, it was just a precaution. Despite his struggles as a one-on-one defender and inconsistent scoring, Strawther has shown glimpses of brilliance this playoff run, including a clutch game-winning 3-pointer in the Sweet 16 last year.
The Nuggets’ journey to Game 7 is nothing short of remarkable, given they were left for dead without a head coach or general manager. However, interim coach David Adelman’s decision to trust Strawther proved invaluable, as he stepped up with 15 points during a crucial 10-minute stretch.
“Game 4, their role players make 3s,” Adelman said of the team’s previous wins. “Tonight, we had a guy step up.” Jamal Murray echoed those sentiments, praising Strawther’s energy and emotion that set the tone for his teammates.
Strawther’s performance has been hailed as a turning point in the series, and he’s finally starting to realize his potential. Despite still working on getting his driver’s license, Strawther is making strides in his young adult life. The Nuggets will likely need him again in Game 7, but for now, he’s basking in the glory of a historic comeback win.
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Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/16/julian-strawther-game-6-nuggets-thunder-tooth