Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 Recap: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

OKLAHOMA CITY (WE) — When the 2024–25 NBA regular season drew to a close and the playoff seeds locked into place, a potential second-round clash between the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder and the defending champion Denver Nuggets quickly became one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason. The Thunder vs. Nuggets rivalry added a fresh, high-stakes chapter as Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals did not disappoint, delivering a high-stakes showdown between two of the league’s most dynamic rosters and MVP frontrunners.

Tonight, at the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City, the Thunder emerged victorious in a tense, back-and-forth battle, defeating the Nuggets 108–102 to take a 1–0 series lead. The Thunder vs. Nuggets primetime tipoff aired on TNT, drawing national attention as two of the NBA’s brightest stars—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic—faced off in what many are calling an early MVP showcase.

Thunder’s Depth and Defense Set the Tone

Entering the postseason with a franchise-best 68–14 record, the Thunder quickly showed why they are the top seed in the Western Conference. Head coach Mark Daigneault‘s squad relied on its deep rotation and suffocating defense, which ranked No. 1 in the regular season.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Despite a rocky shooting performance in the early stages of the first round, he found his rhythm late against Memphis and carried that momentum into tonight’s game. Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren, the dynamic rookie center, contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks—anchoring a defense that held Jokic to just 9-of-20 shooting.

Nine Thunder players saw at least 20 minutes of action, with Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort providing crucial minutes off the bench. The inclusion of recent acquisitions like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein further bolstered the Thunder’s versatility on both ends of the court.

Nuggets Fight Fatigue, Show Resilience

The Nuggets, fresh off a taxing seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers that ended just two days ago, showed some wear but did not go quietly. Jokic recorded a near triple-double—28 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists—but struggled to find consistency under pressure from OKC’s relentless defenders.

Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 38 points, but Denver’s lack of depth was apparent. Interim head coach David Adelman, who took over after Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth were fired with three games left in the regular season, ran a tight seven-man rotation.

Veteran Russell Westbrook came off the bench with energy, finishing with 12 points and hitting two timely three-pointers that kept the Nuggets within striking distance late in the fourth quarter. Westbrook, a former Thunder superstar, was met with a mix of cheers and boos in his return to Oklahoma City.

MVP Finalists in Focus

The showdown between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic was billed as a battle of MVP candidates, and both players delivered moments worthy of the spotlight. Gilgeous-Alexander was aggressive and efficient, especially in isolation sets, exploiting Denver’s slower perimeter defenders. Jokic, ever the playmaker, facilitated beautifully from the post and elbow but faced double teams on nearly every touch.

The third MVP finalist, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, remains in contention, but this series may tilt the narrative depending on who prevails. Should either Gilgeous-Alexander or Jokic guide their team to the conference finals with consistently elite performances, the MVP race could be significantly influenced.

Coaching Chess Match

Daigneault’s preparation was evident, using various zone coverages and switching defenses to throw Jokic off rhythm. His decision to start Caruso over Joe for defensive purposes turned out to be key. Conversely, Adelman’s decision to keep Jokic and Murray on the floor together for extended stretches paid off in spurts, but fatigue became a major factor in the closing minutes. The Nuggets were outscored 14–6 in the final 4:30 of the game.

Analysts noted that Denver’s rotations became stagnant, with minimal offensive movement and heavy reliance on Jokic post-ups. OKC’s help defense rotated efficiently, limiting open looks and forcing tough contested jumpers.

Read More:

• Game 1 Preview: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics – Eastern Conference Semifinals
• Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 7: Denver Dominates L.A., Advances to Face Thunder in Round 2 of 2025 NBA Playoffs
• Warriors vs Rockets Game 6 Preview: Golden State Looks to Close Out Series at Home
• New York Knicks Survive Late Push, Eliminate Detroit Pistons in Game 6 Thriller
• Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers in Game 5: Gobert Dominates with 27 Points and 24 Rebounds

Rest vs. Rust Debate Settled?

One of the most discussed pre-game narratives revolved around the Thunder’s nine-day layoff compared to Denver’s short turnaround from a grueling series. Would rest or rhythm prevail?

The Thunder appeared sharp early, opening the game on a 14–4 run and forcing three early turnovers. However, Denver responded with a 12–0 run of their own, showcasing why they remain a formidable title contender. Ultimately, OKC’s fresher legs made the difference in the fourth quarter, where they closed the game with greater intensity and execution.

The Thunder’s Rise Since Seattle

Since relocating from Seattle in 2008, the Thunder have steadily built a new legacy in Oklahoma City. After the era of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden faded, many questioned whether the team could rebuild.

Led by Executive Vice President and GM Sam Presti, the Thunder executed a masterclass in asset accumulation and youth development. Now with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the Thunder are not just a playoff team—they’re a legitimate championship threat.

What’s Next?

With the series shifting in tone after Game 1, all eyes turn to Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET, again at Paycom Center and airing live on TNT. The Nuggets will look to regroup and steal a road win to level the series before heading back to Ball Arena in Denver for Games 3 and 4.

Look for Daigneault to continue exploiting Denver’s weak side defense, particularly by creating isolation opportunities for Williams and driving lanes for Holmgren. Meanwhile, Adelman may consider expanding the rotation to preserve Jokic’s energy deep into the fourth quarter.

Series Schedule

• Game 1: Nuggets at Thunder | Monday, May 5 – Thunder 108, Nuggets 102
• Game 2: Nuggets at Thunder | Wednesday, May 7 | 9:30 p.m. ET | TNT
• Game 3: Thunder at Nuggets | Friday, May 9 | 10:00 p.m. ET | ESPN
• Game 4: Thunder at Nuggets | Sunday, May 11 | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC
• Game 5 (if necessary): Nuggets at Thunder | Tuesday, May 13 | TBD | TNT
• Game 6 (if necessary): Thunder at Nuggets | Thursday, May 15 | TBD | ESPN
• Game 7 (if necessary): Nuggets at Thunder | Sunday, May 18 | TBD | TBD

Expert Predictions

• Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
• Heather Tucker: Thunder in six
• James Williams: Thunder in five
• Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five

Final Thoughts

The Thunder have made a clear statement—they are no longer the up-and-coming story, but a true title contender. For Denver, Game 2 now becomes critical. Jokic and the defending champs must answer the bell or risk falling into a deep postseason hole.

With a championship pedigree and the best player in the world, the Nuggets won’t go quietly. But Oklahoma City, young and fearless, seems ready for the moment. The atmosphere in Oklahoma City is electric. If this game is any indication, Thunder vs. Nuggets is shaping up to be a thrilling, potentially legendary playoff series.