JUST IN: Broncos’ Stars Sean Payton and George Paton Makes a Strong Statement After Witnessing Offensive Atrocity in Devastating Loss to Game 4…
In a playoff series defined by grit and defensive prowess, Game 4 between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder took an unexpected and, frankly, ugly turn. Fans expecting fireworks at Ball Arena were instead treated to a brickfest of historic proportions—one that not even the presence of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton could inspire into anything resembling competent offense.
The final score said Thunder 90, Nuggets 84, but the real story was the three-point shooting—or the complete lack of it.
A Cold Night from Deep
The Nuggets, known for their efficient ball movement and Nikola Jokić’s surgical precision, finished the game an abysmal 5-of-28 from beyond the arc. The Thunder weren’t much better, going 7-of-31. Combined, the two teams shot 12-for-59, a frigid 20.3% clip that had fans groaning and analysts reaching for the record books.
Jamal Murray, battling through what’s rumored to be a nagging leg injury, went 1-for-7 from deep. Michael Porter Jr. wasn’t far behind, clanking 1-for-6 of his own. Even the usually steady Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed all four of his attempts, one of which drew audible gasps for how off-target it was.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s been sensational all series, contributed 2-of-5 from long range, but even his output couldn’t mask a game where both teams looked like they were shooting with their eyes closed.
Broncos Brass in the Building
Making things even more surreal was the courtside presence of Broncos decision-makers Sean Payton and George Paton. With their own offensive issues to worry about in the NFL offseason, one could only wonder what they thought of the NBA version of a three-and-out.
At one point during the third quarter, after a sequence where the Nuggets missed three consecutive open threes, cameras caught Payton shaking his head and mouthing something to Paton. While we can’t confirm what was said, Twitter was quick to imagine captions like “At least we’re not this bad.”
What It Means Going Forward
For the Nuggets, Game 4 was a wasted opportunity to take control of the series. Now tied 2–2, momentum has swung firmly in Oklahoma City’s favor, and confidence in Denver’s outside shooting is starting to crack.
The bigger concern isn’t just that they missed—it’s how they missed. Many shots were rushed, flat, or just plain misjudged, suggesting tired legs or a mental block as much as defensive pressure.
Head coach Michael Malone didn’t mince words postgame: “You’re not going to win playoff games shooting like that. Simple as that.”
Game 5 is now a must-win, and if the Nuggets hope to regain control of the series, they’ll need to find their range—and fast. Otherwise, the only thing colder than their perimeter shooting might be the reception they get back home.
