The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their spot in the Western Conference finals with a commanding Game 7 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental, scoring 35 points to lead the top-seeded team to a 125-93 win over the Denver Nuggets.
This triumph concluded a fiercely contested conference semi-final series.
Denver’s efforts to force a Game 7 came after their 119-107 home win on Thursday. However, they couldn’t replicate that performance on Sunday. Nikola Jokić managed 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists but only attempted nine shots. Jamal Murray struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just one of eight attempts and finishing with 13 points.
Oklahoma City’s defence was crucial, limiting Denver to just 22.2% from three-point range and 39.3% overall shooting. Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 24 points and seven assists, while Chet Holmgren achieved a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Thunder’s defensive strategy played a pivotal role in their advancement.
The Nuggets began Game 7 strongly, embarking on a 10-2 run midway through the first quarter for an early lead. They maintained a ten-point advantage late in the period after Murray’s layup made it 26-16. However, Oklahoma City responded with a decisive 13-point run to take control early in the second quarter.
After halftime, Oklahoma City continued their momentum. Gilgeous-Alexander scored seven points during a 9-0 run at the start of the third quarter, extending their lead to 69-46. The Thunder maintained this dominance throughout the game, never allowing Denver to close within less than 17 points.
The Thunder’s lead peaked at an impressive 43 points when they reached a score of 125-82 with under four minutes remaining. Although Denver ended on an 11-0 run, the outcome was already determined by then.
Upcoming Challenge Against Timberwolves
This victory marks Oklahoma City’s first appearance in the West finals since their loss to Golden State Warriors in Kevin Durant’s last season with them in 2016. The Thunder will face off against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves next, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday in Oklahoma City.