Series Tied 2–2 | Game 5: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (WE) — For the Oklahoma City Thunder, this postseason has been a test of grit, growth, and patience. The Denver Nuggets have pushed them to the brink. After four grueling games in the Western Conference Semifinals, the series is tied 2-2. With Game 5 tipping off Tuesday night at Paycom Center, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
It’s a sharp contrast to how the Thunder coasted through much of the regular season. They finished with one of the best records in franchise and NBA history, leading the league with a +12.9 point differential — the largest margin of victory average in league history. Night after night, the Thunder overwhelmed their opponents with youthful energy, cohesion, and depth.
But in the playoffs, particularly against the defending champions, nothing comes easy.
Growing Through Adversity
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault understands this more than most. And he welcomes the adversity.
“We’re a better team than we were at the beginning of the series,” Daigneault said during Monday’s media availability. “We are continuing to learn and we’re continuing to grow through all these experiences we’re getting. It’s only been a week since the series started, but these games are rich with lessons.”
Daigneault emphasized the emotional and mental development taking place within his locker room.
“Every time you take a punch and you stand back up, you build more confidence, you build more mental toughness, you build more mettle,” he added.
This mentality has become the Thunder’s identity in the playoffs — a young, hungry group refusing to break under pressure.
Nikola Jokić’s Struggles Continue
For Nikola Jokić, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, the series has been uncharacteristically difficult. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant offensive forces in basketball, Jokić is facing perhaps his toughest playoff challenge yet.
Through the last three games, Jokić is shooting just 21-of-63 from the field (33.3%) and 4-of-22 from beyond the arc (18.2%). He’s averaging only five assists per contest during that span — a stark drop from his typical numbers.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Jokić admitted after Game 4. “They’re playing really good defense on me. Getting into my body, being handsy and physical… and shrinking the floor so I don’t have much room to operate.”
This marks a rare rough patch for Jokić, who shot under 40% just once in the entire regular season. Yet, he has failed to reach that mark in three straight playoff games.
In fact, two of his worst four shooting performances in 91 career playoff appearances have come in the last two games.
Still, Jokić remains composed and focused.
“I need to do a better job, of course, but it’s part of the game,” he said. “We need to be more physical, aggressive.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leading the Charge
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to solidify his status as one of the game’s most complete offensive players. A finalist alongside Jokić for the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player award, SGA has elevated his game in the postseason.
He’s averaging 27.5 points per game in the series while shooting 47.5% from the field. More importantly, he’s forcing The Denver Nuggets into foul trouble and getting to the free-throw line more than nine times per contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander dropped at least 33 points in Games 1 and 2 — both Thunder victories at home. He’s been the steadying presence amid the chaos of playoff basketball.
“This series has thrown so many random things at us,” SGA said after Game 4. “So many things that are unexpected or out of the norm. I think we’ve done a really good job of just accepting where we are and not straying from who we are and who we’ve been all season.”
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- Indiana Pacers Build 41-Point Halftime Lead, Rout Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 to Seize 3-1 Series Advantage
The Depth Advantage
A key differentiator in the series thus far has been the depth of Oklahoma City’s roster. Ten Thunder players have appeared in every game of the series, each averaging at least 10 minutes. That flexibility allows Daigneault to make constant defensive and tempo adjustments.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have mostly stuck to a tight seven-man rotation. Outside of Russell Westbrook — who played more than nine minutes in Game 4 off the bench — Denver has offered limited rest to its core starters.
“We just have to get more from more people,” said David Adelman, Denver’s interim head coach. “And I have to maybe play more than eight guys.”
That’s easier said than done in the playoffs, especially when bench production has been inconsistent.
Home-Court Pressure and Opportunity
The Thunder return to Paycom Center for Game 5, where they were 33-8 during the regular season. Their crowd is one of the loudest in the league — a clear advantage in high-stakes moments.
Oklahoma City won the first two games at home and looks to repeat that performance.
“We feed off the energy,” said Jalen Williams. “It’s electric every time we play here. That gives us extra juice when we’re tired or when the game gets tight.”
The pressure, however, is equally palpable. Losing Game 5 at home could shift momentum firmly in Denver’s favor, giving them a chance to close out the series in Game 6 at Ball Arena — a venue where they are nearly unbeatable in the postseason.
Inside the Numbers
A statistical dive into the first four games reveals telling insights:
- Rebounding Battle: The Nuggets have outrebounded the Thunder in three of four games. However, OKC’s defensive rebounding has improved dramatically since Game 1, especially in limiting second-chance points.
- Turnover Margin: Oklahoma City is averaging just 10.2 turnovers per game — lowest among all playoff teams. Their ball security has neutralized Denver’s fast-break attack.
- 3-Point Shooting: Both teams are shooting under 35% from three-point range, reflecting the physical, defensive tone of the series.
- Clutch Time: Three of the four games have been decided by six points or fewer. In those moments, SGA and Williams have delivered timely buckets while Jokić has struggled to find rhythm late in games.
Key Matchups to Watch in Game 5
- Jokić vs. Holmgren – Chet Holmgren has been sensational defensively, using his length and mobility to contest Jokić without fouling. How Denver adjusts to this matchup will be critical.
- Gordon’s Physicality – Aaron Gordon has been the emotional tone-setter for Denver. Can he dominate the glass and disrupt OKC’s flow?
- Bench Battle – Players like Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Kenrich Williams have all had big moments for the Thunder bench. Denver will need similar contributions from Christian Braun and others.
A Battle of Eras
This series has become more than just a matchup of elite Western Conference teams. It’s a contrast of philosophies.
The Nuggets, with Jokić, Gordon, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., represent a veteran core that has already reached the NBA mountaintop. They are methodical, physical, and resilient.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are building something new — led by 25-and-under stars like SGA, Holmgren, and Williams. Their pace, versatility, and enthusiasm are redefining what it means to be playoff-ready.
“It’s experience versus energy,” said ESPN analyst JJ Redick. “And right now, neither side is giving an inch.”
Looking Ahead: Game 5 Implications
With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 becomes the unofficial pivot point. According to NBA historical data, teams that win Game 5 of a 2-2 best-of-seven series go on to win the series 82% of the time.
That’s why the pressure is immense on both squads. For the Thunder, it’s about protecting home court and using their youth as an advantage. For The Denver Nuggets, it’s about experience, execution, and finding ways to get Jokić back to his MVP-level form.
Final Thoughts
There are no easy roads in the NBA Playoffs. For all their regular-season dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder are discovering what it truly means to compete at the highest level — where every possession, every adjustment, and every burst of emotion matters.
And yet, they’re embracing the challenge. The adversity. The noise. The grind.
Because through the struggle comes growth.
“We’re built for this,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We don’t fear these moments. We welcome them.”
Tip-off for Game 5 is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday, with national broadcast on TNT. Expect drama. Expect intensity. And above all, expect a fight.
This series is far from over — and the best may still be to come.
