A Game 7 for the Ages
The Nuggets and Thunder entered Game 7 with everything on the line. Denver, the 2023 NBA champions, faced a daunting challenge against the top-seeded Thunder, who boasted a remarkable 68-14 regular-season record and the league’s best point differential. The series had been a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows and showcasing their strengths. The Nuggets stole Game 1 on the road with a clutch three-pointer from Aaron Gordon, while the Thunder responded with a historic 149-106 blowout in Game 2, setting an NBA playoff record for first-half scoring. Games 3 through 6 saw momentum shift back and forth, with Denver’s experience and Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive tenacity keeping the series razor-close.
Game 6, played in Denver, set the stage for the decisive Game 7. Facing elimination, the Nuggets leaned on a balanced attack led by Nikola Jokić (29 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists) and a resilient Jamal Murray, who shook off illness to contribute 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. An unexpected spark from reserve Julian Strawther (15 points, including two critical three-pointers) helped Denver overcome a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, forcing the series back to Oklahoma City. The Thunder, despite a strong 32-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, faltered in the fourth quarter, with Jalen Williams struggling (3-for-16 shooting), exposing a rare crack in their otherwise cohesive unit.
In Game 7, the Nuggets displayed the poise of a team that had been here before. Denver’s game plan centered on controlling the paint and leveraging their rebounding advantage, as they had done in Game 6 (outrebounding OKC 52-40). Jokić, the three-time MVP, was once again the linchpin, orchestrating the offense with his unparalleled vision and scoring efficiency. He finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. His ability to manipulate OKC’s defense, particularly against the double-big lineup of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, was a masterclass in basketball IQ. Jokić’s no-look passes and timely scoring in the post kept the Thunder’s defense on its heels.
Jamal Murray, fully recovered from his Game 6 illness, complemented Jokić with 27 points and 6 assists, exploiting OKC’s perimeter defense with his signature pull-up jumpers. Aaron Gordon, despite concerns about a hamstring tweak in Game 6, delivered another clutch performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, including a highlight-reel dunk that energized the Nuggets’ bench. Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook provided critical energy, with Braun notching a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Westbrook adding 12 points and relentless defensive pressure on his former team.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant yet again, pouring in 34 points on efficient 12-of-18 shooting, with 7 assists and 2 steals. His ability to navigate Denver’s defense with change-of-pace dribbling and mid-range mastery kept OKC in the game early. However, the Thunder’s supporting cast struggled to match Denver’s firepower. Jalen Williams, who had been inconsistent throughout the series, managed only 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, unable to provide the secondary scoring OKC desperately needed. Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds but was outmuscled by Jokić in key moments. OKC’s bench, a strength all season, was outscored 28-20 by Denver’s reserves, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins unable to replicate their earlier impact.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where Denver unleashed a 15-4 run to erase a 7-point deficit. Jokić’s playmaking and Murray’s timely three-pointers fueled the surge, while OKC’s offense bogged down, relying too heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander. The Nuggets carried a 10-point lead into the fourth and never relinquished it, stifling OKC’s comeback attempts with suffocating defense and timely rebounding. The final score of 119-107 belied the intensity of the contest, as Denver’s championship pedigree shone through in crunch time.
The MVP Race: Jokić vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
The Nuggets-Thunder series was billed as a clash of MVP finalists, with Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the narrative. Both players delivered performances that validated their candidacies, but the series outcome has added fuel to an already heated MVP debate. The award, a regular-season honor, is expected to be announced during the Western Conference Finals, and while the votes are already cast, the playoff stage has amplified the discussion.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the favorite to win the 2025 MVP, led the Thunder to a historic 68-win season, averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting, with 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds. His two-way excellence, ranking top-five in steals and anchoring the NBA’s top-rated defense, gave him an edge in the eyes of many voters. SGA’s ability to score efficiently on drives (20.6 per game, second only to DeMar DeRozan in mid-range makes) and his clutch play in OKC’s 30-1 record when he played 33:35 minutes or less underscored his value to a young, dominant team. In the series, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 29.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds, with standout performances in Games 2 (34 points, +51 rating) and 4 (25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists). However, his late-game struggles in Game 3 (1-of-8 in the fourth quarter and overtime) and OKC’s inability to close out the series raised questions about his ability to carry a team in the highest-pressure moments.
Nikola Jokić, meanwhile, made a compelling case for his fourth MVP in five years. His regular-season stat line of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists on 57.6% shooting (41.7% from three) was historic, making him the only player to rank in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists. Jokić’s ability to create 56 points per game (46% of Denver’s offense) powered the Nuggets to a 50-32 record despite a 21st-ranked defense and a shallow rotation. In the series, Jokić averaged 28.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, with a 42-point, 22-rebound masterpiece in Game 1 and a near triple-double in Game 7. His struggles in Games 2-4 (shooting below 40% in each) were offset by his ability to elevate his teammates, particularly in clutch moments. Critics argue that Denver’s 18-game gap behind OKC in the standings and Jokić’s voter fatigue as a three-time winner could tip the scales toward SGA.
Key Factors in Denver’s Victory
Denver’s triumph was a testament to their championship experience and depth around Jokić. Aaron Gordon emerged as the series’ unsung hero, delivering game-winning shots in Games 1 and 3 and averaging 19.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. His versatility defending multiple positions, crashing the boards, and hitting timely threes proved invaluable. Jamal Murray, despite health concerns, averaged 23.4 points and 6.1 assists, with his Game 6 and 7 performances silencing doubts about his postseason mettle. Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook provided energy and defensive tenacity, with Westbrook’s redemption tour against his former team adding an emotional edge.
The Nuggets’ rebounding dominance (averaging 49.3 rebounds per game to OKC’s 41.6) and ability to exploit OKC’s occasional offensive stagnation were decisive. Denver’s zone defense, particularly in Game 6, disrupted the Thunder’s rhythm, and interim coach David Adelman’s strategic use of timeouts and substitutions preserved Jokić and Murray’s energy in critical moments.
For the Thunder, their youth and relative inexperience showed in key moments. Jalen Williams’ struggles (averaging 14.7 points on 39.2% shooting) highlighted OKC’s need for a reliable second option. While their depth featuring Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins was a regular-season strength, it couldn’t match Denver’s playoff-tested core in Game 7. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein challenged Jokić defensively but couldn’t consistently counter his playmaking.
Looking Ahead
The Nuggets now advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, a rematch of last year’s second-round series where Minnesota upset Denver in Game 7. Jokić will face another formidable challenge in Anthony Edwards and a revamped Wolves roster featuring Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. For the Thunder, the loss stings but doesn’t diminish their remarkable season. With Gilgeous-Alexander as their cornerstone, OKC remains a contender for years to come.
The MVP race, while officially decided, will continue to spark debate. Jokić’s playoff heroics and Denver’s deep run may bolster his case in the court of public opinion, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s regular-season dominance and leadership of a 68-win team make him a deserving candidate. Regardless of the outcome, this series showcased why both players are the present and future of the NBA, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in their rivalry.
The Nuggets and Thunder entered Game 7 with everything on the line. Denver, the 2023 NBA champions, faced a daunting challenge against the top-seeded Thunder, who boasted a remarkable 68-14 regular-season record and the league’s best point differential. The series had been a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows and showcasing their strengths. The Nuggets stole Game 1 on the road with a clutch three-pointer from Aaron Gordon, while the Thunder responded with a historic 149-106 blowout in Game 2, setting an NBA playoff record for first-half scoring. Games 3 through 6 saw momentum shift back and forth, with Denver’s experience and Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive tenacity keeping the series razor-close.
Game 6, played in Denver, set the stage for the decisive Game 7. Facing elimination, the Nuggets leaned on a balanced attack led by Nikola Jokić (29 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists) and a resilient Jamal Murray, who shook off illness to contribute 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. An unexpected spark from reserve Julian Strawther (15 points, including two critical three-pointers) helped Denver overcome a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, forcing the series back to Oklahoma City. The Thunder, despite a strong 32-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, faltered in the fourth quarter, with Jalen Williams struggling (3-for-16 shooting), exposing a rare crack in their otherwise cohesive unit.
In Game 7, the Nuggets displayed the poise of a team that had been here before. Denver’s game plan centered on controlling the paint and leveraging their rebounding advantage, as they had done in Game 6 (outrebounding OKC 52-40). Jokić, the three-time MVP, was once again the linchpin, orchestrating the offense with his unparalleled vision and scoring efficiency. He finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. His ability to manipulate OKC’s defense, particularly against the double-big lineup of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, was a masterclass in basketball IQ. Jokić’s no-look passes and timely scoring in the post kept the Thunder’s defense on its heels.
Jamal Murray, fully recovered from his Game 6 illness, complemented Jokić with 27 points and 6 assists, exploiting OKC’s perimeter defense with his signature pull-up jumpers. Aaron Gordon, despite concerns about a hamstring tweak in Game 6, delivered another clutch performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, including a highlight-reel dunk that energized the Nuggets’ bench. Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook provided critical energy, with Braun notching a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Westbrook adding 12 points and relentless defensive pressure on his former team.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant yet again, pouring in 34 points on efficient 12-of-18 shooting, with 7 assists and 2 steals. His ability to navigate Denver’s defense with change-of-pace dribbling and mid-range mastery kept OKC in the game early. However, the Thunder’s supporting cast struggled to match Denver’s firepower. Jalen Williams, who had been inconsistent throughout the series, managed only 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, unable to provide the secondary scoring OKC desperately needed. Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds but was outmuscled by Jokić in key moments. OKC’s bench, a strength all season, was outscored 28-20 by Denver’s reserves, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins unable to replicate their earlier impact.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where Denver unleashed a 15-4 run to erase a 7-point deficit. Jokić’s playmaking and Murray’s timely three-pointers fueled the surge, while OKC’s offense bogged down, relying too heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander. The Nuggets carried a 10-point lead into the fourth and never relinquished it, stifling OKC’s comeback attempts with suffocating defense and timely rebounding. The final score of 119-107 belied the intensity of the contest, as Denver’s championship pedigree shone through in crunch time.
The MVP Race: Jokić vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
The Nuggets-Thunder series was billed as a clash of MVP finalists, with Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the narrative. Both players delivered performances that validated their candidacies, but the series outcome has added fuel to an already heated MVP debate. The award, a regular-season honor, is expected to be announced during the Western Conference Finals, and while the votes are already cast, the playoff stage has amplified the discussion.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the favorite to win the 2025 MVP, led the Thunder to a historic 68-win season, averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting, with 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds. His two-way excellence, ranking top-five in steals and anchoring the NBA’s top-rated defense, gave him an edge in the eyes of many voters. SGA’s ability to score efficiently on drives (20.6 per game, second only to DeMar DeRozan in mid-range makes) and his clutch play in OKC’s 30-1 record when he played 33:35 minutes or less underscored his value to a young, dominant team. In the series, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 29.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds, with standout performances in Games 2 (34 points, +51 rating) and 4 (25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists). However, his late-game struggles in Game 3 (1-of-8 in the fourth quarter and overtime) and OKC’s inability to close out the series raised questions about his ability to carry a team in the highest-pressure moments.
Nikola Jokić, meanwhile, made a compelling case for his fourth MVP in five years. His regular-season stat line of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists on 57.6% shooting (41.7% from three) was historic, making him the only player to rank in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists. Jokić’s ability to create 56 points per game (46% of Denver’s offense) powered the Nuggets to a 50-32 record despite a 21st-ranked defense and a shallow rotation. In the series, Jokić averaged 28.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, with a 42-point, 22-rebound masterpiece in Game 1 and a near triple-double in Game 7. His struggles in Games 2-4 (shooting below 40% in each) were offset by his ability to elevate his teammates, particularly in clutch moments. Critics argue that Denver’s 18-game gap behind OKC in the standings and Jokić’s voter fatigue as a three-time winner could tip the scales toward SGA.
The head-to-head matchup didn’t definitively settle the debate, as both players showcased their unique strengths. Gilgeous-Alexander’s explosive scoring and defensive versatility contrasted with Jokić’s unmatched playmaking and dominance in the paint. However, Denver’s series victory, driven by Jokić’s consistency and the supporting cast’s timely contributions, may sway public perception in his favor, even if the MVP award is based solely on regular-season performance. As former Nuggets coach Michael Malone quipped, “If you didn’t know Nikola had won three MVPs, and I put Player A and Player B on paper … he wins 10 times out of 10.”
Key Factors in Denver’s Victory
Denver’s triumph was a testament to their championship experience and depth around Jokić. Aaron Gordon emerged as the series’ unsung hero, delivering game-winning shots in Games 1 and 3 and averaging 19.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. His versatility defending multiple positions, crashing the boards, and hitting timely threes proved invaluable. Jamal Murray, despite health concerns, averaged 23.4 points and 6.1 assists, with his Game 6 and 7 performances silencing doubts about his postseason mettle. Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook provided energy and defensive tenacity, with Westbrook’s redemption tour against his former team adding an emotional edge.
The Nuggets’ rebounding dominance (averaging 49.3 rebounds per game to OKC’s 41.6) and ability to exploit OKC’s occasional offensive stagnation were decisive. Denver’s zone defense, particularly in Game 6, disrupted the Thunder’s rhythm, and interim coach David Adelman’s strategic use of timeouts and substitutions preserved Jokić and Murray’s energy in critical moments.
For the Thunder, their youth and relative inexperience showed in key moments. Jalen Williams’ struggles (averaging 14.7 points on 39.2% shooting) highlighted OKC’s need for a reliable second option. While their depth featuring Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins was a regular-season strength, it couldn’t match Denver’s playoff-tested core in Game 7. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein challenged Jokić defensively but couldn’t consistently counter his playmaking.
Looking Ahead
The Nuggets now advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, a rematch of last year’s second-round series where Minnesota upset Denver in Game 7. Jokić will face another formidable challenge in Anthony Edwards and a revamped Wolves roster featuring Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. For the Thunder, the loss stings but doesn’t diminish their remarkable season. With Gilgeous-Alexander as their cornerstone, OKC remains a contender for years to come.
The MVP race, while officially decided, will continue to spark debate. Jokić’s playoff heroics and Denver’s deep run may bolster his case in the court of public opinion, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s regular-season dominance and leadership of a 68-win team make him a deserving candidate. Regardless of the outcome, this series showcased why both players are the present and future of the NBA, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in their rivalry.
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