When the NBA playoff seeds began to take shape late in the regular season, we would’ve signed up for an Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets second-round matchup.
The Nuggets won a championship in 2023 and are trying to do it again despite firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with three games remaining in the regular season. They still have key players from that championship team, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic who is a finalist for the award again this season along with the Thunder’s Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Thunder, who won a franchise record 68 games, are trying to win the title for the first time since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Here’s everything you need to know about the second-round series between the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 4 Denver Nuggets:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets most important players to watch
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Thunder:In line to win his first MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander is a star today and for the next several seasons. But for that star to shine brighter and brighter, Gilgeous-Alexander has to get the Thunder to the conference finals – at least. That’s the next step in this progression. Gilgeous-Alexander did what he needed to do in an easy first-round sweep against Memphis (27.8 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks per game, 40.2% field goal percentage, 25% 3-point percentage), but the Thunder need a more efficient offensive performance from him against the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic, center, Nuggets: There isn’t a wrong choice between Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokic was tremendous this season (just as good as any of his three previous MVP seasons) and carried the Nuggets to a Game 7 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers with 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. He averaged 24-13.1-10.1 in the series. Jokic’s ability to dominate a game with his scoring, passing and rebounding gives the Nuggets a chance. With a solid roster and Jokic at his best, the Nuggets remain a contender amid the chaos of dismissing the head coach and general manager at the end of the regular season. That’s the potential Jokic unlocks.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets preview
How the Thunder will win: The Thunder have more talent, depth and versatility, they’re better offensively and defensively and it’s all coming together at the right time. They weren’t really tested in the first round so the Thunder need to prove they can win tight games in a series. Nine players (Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, Alex Caruso and Lu Dort) played at least 20 minutes per game in the first round in a balanced offensive effort.
How the Nuggets will win: The Nuggets shared the second-best road record in the West this season and will need to get one, maybe two games in Oklahoma City to win the series. The Nuggets won once at OKC this season and have the championship experience with Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Jokic will do what he does, and if he gets enough help, Denver can pull off the upset with interim coach David Adelman, who took over for the fired Malone with three games left in the regular season. The Nuggets, who are not deep, will rely on their top seven players.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets stat
The Thunder were the No. 1 defense in the regular season and have the best defense (albeit just four games) through the first round. They challenge shots, rebound well, block shots/protect the rim, create turnovers/generate steals better than any team.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets predictions
Heather Tucker: Thunder in five
James Williams: Thunder in five
Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets schedule
Game 1: Nuggets at Thunder | Monday, May 5, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 2: Nuggets at Thunder | Wednesday, May 7, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Thunder at Nuggets | Friday, May 9, 10 p.m. | ESPN
Game 4: Thunder at Nuggets | Sunday, May 11, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 5: Nuggets at Thunder | TBA | TBA*
Game 6: Thunder at Nuggets | TBA | TBA*
Game 7: Nuggets at Thunder | TBA | TBA*
All times Eastern. *-if necessary
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets season series
Season series tied at 2.
Oct. 24: Thunder 102, Nuggets 87
Nov. 6: Nuggets 124, Thunder 122
March 9: Thunder 127, Nuggets 103
March 10: Nuggets 140, Thunder 127