The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by rising superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, took on the Denver Nuggets for the third time this season. The Nuggets were led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who has become known as the best player in the world.
The first meeting took place on October 29, the Thunder's first home game of the season. The Nuggets won 95-128. The second meeting took place on December 16. OKC was down for most of the game but stormed back and eventually won thanks to a game-winner by Gilgeous-Alexander. This was also the first home loss of the season for the Nuggets.
Both teams have been playing well over the last two weeks and look to extend their winning streaks as well as take control of the number two seed in the Western Conference.
Game Recap
The Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon, who will miss some time due to significant injuries. In the meantime, second-year player Peyton Watson will be the starting power forward until Gordon returns.
This was the second night of a back-to-back for Denver, who played the Memphis Grizzlies the day before. OKC on the other hand, had a day off after they played the New York Knicks on Wednesday at home.
The first half of the game was back and forth as both teams took turns scoring points. The Nuggets took the lead 22-25 at 4:02 in the first quarter, which was their only lead in the game. The Thunder regained the lead and never looked back. Even when the Nuggets went on a scoring run to cut the lead to within two points, the Thunder went on another run to extend their lead.
The second half was all about the Thunder, as they would continue to extend their lead. The lead increased to 20 points, and they were just too much for the Nuggets. Denver tried to cut into the lead but could never get it back within a single digit. OKC won the game 119-93.
Denver now has two home losses, both by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is also the worst loss of the season for the Nuggets. OKC is now number two in the conference while the Nuggets drop to the third seed.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points on 70% shooting. He also had four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Chet Holmgren finished 24 points on 64% shooting along with six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Nikola Jokic finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. He only missed one shot but he committed seven turnovers. The Nuggets were outrebounded 51-36 and committed 16 turnovers to the Thunder's 11.
What's Next?
The Thunder will head home to face the Brooklyn Nets on New Year's Eve. The game will air on NBA League Pass and begin at 7:00 EST.
The Nuggets will continue their homestand and face the Charlotte Hornets on New Year's Day. The game will air on NBA League Pass and begin at 9:00 EST.
Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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