OKC Thunder vs Denver Nuggets: Complete Game Recap & Key Player Stats
Inside a roaring Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Thunder delivered one of their most complete postseason performances in recent memory, routing the Denver Nuggets 125-93 on May 18, 2025.
Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points, Jalen Williams’ 24 points, and Chet Holmgren’s two-way brilliance, OKC clinched its first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2016 — a symbolic passing of the torch in the West.
Top Player Stats
OKC Thunder – Key Performers
|
Player |
MIN |
PTS |
FG |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
36 |
35 |
12-19 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
Jalen Williams |
33 |
24 |
10-17 |
5 |
7 |
1 |
— |
|
Chet Holmgren |
28 |
13 |
4-9 |
11 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Isaiah Hartenstein |
17 |
10 |
5-7 |
7 |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Luguentz Dort |
17 |
6 |
2-7 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
— |
Denver Nuggets – Key Performers
|
Player |
MIN |
PTS |
FG |
REB |
AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nikola Jokić |
37 |
20 |
5-9 |
9 |
7 |
|
Michael Porter Jr. |
33 |
19 |
7-14 |
4 |
3 |
|
Jamal Murray |
35 |
13 |
6-16 |
1 |
2 |
|
Aaron Gordon |
25 |
8 |
2-4 |
11 |
0 |
|
Christian Braun |
33 |
19 |
7-14 |
4 |
3 |
Tactical Battle: How OKC Outclassed Denver?
- Early Pressure on Jokić: Double-teams forced the three-time MVP to give up the ball, reducing Denver’s offensive rhythm.
- Defensive Rotations: Holmgren and Dort sealed driving lanes, while Caruso and Williams created turnovers.
- Transition Execution: OKC outscored Denver 27-14 in fast breaks — a decisive edge.
- Unselfish Offense: Twenty-eight Thunder assists illustrated team chemistry and court vision.
Head coach Mark Daigneault summarized it best:
“They played with purpose, poise, and maturity beyond their years. That’s what champions look like in the making.”
You may also want to check performance of OKC Thunder against Memphis Grizzlies
Game Flow: From Setback to Domination
Denver opened strong, leading 26-21 after the first quarter. But in the second, OKC unleashed a 39-20 run, led by SGA’s mid-range mastery and Jalen Williams’ slashing. By halftime, the Thunder held a 14-point lead and never looked back.
A flagrant foul on Aaron Gordon early in the third ignited the crowd. Moments later, rookie Cason Wallace posterized Jokić on a fast break, sending the arena into a frenzy and stretching the lead to 21. The Nuggets never recovered.
Series Recap: Thunder’s Road to the Final Four
|
Game |
Winner |
Score |
Leading Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nuggets |
121-119 |
Nikola Jokić (42 PTS) |
|
2 |
Thunder |
149-106 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34 PTS) |
|
3 |
Nuggets |
113-104 |
Jalen Williams (32 PTS) |
|
4 |
Thunder |
92-87 |
Jokić (27 PTS) |
|
5 |
Thunder |
112-105 |
Jokić (44 PTS) |
|
6 |
Nuggets |
119-107 |
SGA (32 PTS) |
|
7 |
Thunder |
125-93 |
SGA (35 PTS) |
Oklahoma City closed the series with three double-digit wins in their final four games. Denver’s defending champion aura couldn’t withstand the relentless pace of OKC’s young core.
Big Picture: What This Means for Both Teams
- For OKC Thunder: The league’s youngest roster (average age 24) continues its meteoric rise. SGA and Holmgren form a duo built for long-term dominance.
- For Denver Nuggets: This loss marks a turning point. Front-office decisions on depth and defense will define their 2026 trajectory.
Most Common Queries
Q1: When did the Thunder vs Nuggets Game 7 take place?
A1: On May 18, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Q2: Who was the top scorer of Game 7?
A2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 35 points on 63 % shooting.
Q3: Which team advances after this match?
A3: The Thunder move on to the Western Conference Finals to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Q4: What did Nikola Jokić record in the loss?
A4: 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in 37 minutes of play.
Final Words
This wasn’t just a Game 7 win — it was a declaration. The Oklahoma City Thunder proved that talent, discipline, and unity can outlast experience. With Gilgeous-Alexander ascending to superstar status and Holmgren anchoring the defense, the Thunder aren’t just ahead of schedule — they’re rewriting it.
