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After Uncle came out, considering offensive efficiency and the score deficit, Donovan put Davis at center and went all-in with a three-guard lineup.

But the reason an all-in lineup was called that was because it could easily become a double-edged sword.

Tonight, that double-edged sword ultimately cut the Thunder themselves.

With Chen Xi facing relentless double-teams, and Westbrook and Alexander missing two consecutive three-pointers and a midrange jumper, the Thunder had lost all momentum.

When the game finally ended, the Denver Nuggets had narrowly defended their home court, winning 138–134 and claiming their first victory in this season's Western Conference Finals.

Nikola Jokic played 45 minutes, putting up 31 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers. Jamal Murray also delivered a performance of 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The two stars had shone, leading Denver one step closer to the Finals.

For the Thunder, Chen Xi played 46 minutes, shooting 14-for-25 and finishing with 40 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.

Though he had treated the crowd to a moment for the ages with a poster dunk over Jokic, he ultimately couldn't lead his team to victory and had to swallow the bitter pill of defeat.

Among his teammates, Davis remained steady, finishing with 29 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Westbrook also rode his strong first half to a tally of 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Unfortunately, they had fallen just short. All the effort the Big Three put in that night had ultimately come to nothing.

With the outcome no longer in doubt, Chen Xi stood on the court, savoring the bitterness of defeat. Then he slowly walked over to exchange embraces with Murray, Jokic, and the others before turning back