[Cactus Jack]

Game 1 underway. Should be a good series. I like Denver's experience if it goes to seven, but they used a lot of gas to get through the Clippers series and you don't have to squint too hard to imagine seeing the Thunder jump out early. 

Gordon always seems like the X-Factor for Denver. When he's on, they're an utter nightmare to match up with.

[Hoot Gibson]

Gordon hit a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left to win it for the Nuggets on a great pass from Westbrook. The best player in the world posted only the fifth 40-20-5 game in playoff history, with 42 pts, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists.

This will most likely be the second time that Jokic is robbed of an MVP award but I honestly don't think he cares. SGA had a solid game but it should have been obvious to anybody who watched the game who the MVP is.

[Cactus Jack]

Gordon's shot was huge. Westbrook is often attacked for not being able to turn off the alpha and taking shots in big moments, but there's next to no talk about him making the right read and getting that to Gordon; he was pretty big in getting 18 off the bench. Was really nice to see the Thunder fans show their appreciation for him during the pregame as well.

Quick turnaround for Game 2 and OKC is currently a 10.5 point favorite. Will be interesting to see how they respond. If there's a convincing cover, them wrapping the series in 6 games isn't off the table.

I'll stand by my statement that I'd like Denver in Game 7 if they're able to get the series to that point. There's something about most NBA franchises (or their team's cores) needing to lose a Game 7 before they're able to get over the hump; OKC hasn't seen a Game 7 yet (lost to Dallas in 6 last season and had swept the Pelicans in the prior round) and their roster isn't stocked with guys who have lots of playoff experience from prior teams.

[Hoot Gibson]

OKC has a great team but if Denver continues to hit open 3s and limits turnovers, Jokic will cause the Thunder all kinds of matchup problems, along with Gordon inside. 

That being said, I expect OKC to bounce back tonight. They are too good not to win most of their home playoff games.

[Van Hagar]

The craziest thing right now is that the home teams are 0-5 in this conference semifinal round. I’m sure that won’t totally hold up going forward (surely Boston and OKC will bounce back), but it’s not that often when the NBA playoffs are this wide open.

[Cactus Jack]

Well, he is definitely betting on himself by going to Ole Miss. I don't know how big of a role he will have compared to this past season at UK. He will definitely need to continue improving to be a competent SEC player.

The craziest thing right now is that the home teams are 0-5 in this conference semifinal round. I’m sure that won’t totally hold up going forward (surely Boston and OKC will bounce back), but it’s not that often when the NBA playoffs are this wide open.

Teams are now being more strategic than ever about seeding and match-ups. No one minds losing games to drop seed lines anymore. This is a by-product of that, injuries, and pure luck.

[Hoot Gibson]

I expected the Thunder to bounce back with a convincing win, but they thoroughly embarrassed the Nuggets last night. With Porter playing with only one arm, I don't know if Denver is capable of winning this series.

[Cactus Jack]

I expected the Thunder to bounce back with a convincing win, but they thoroughly embarrassed the Nuggets last night. With Porter playing with only one arm, I don't know if Denver is capable of winning this series.

Agreed. That margin sends a message.