The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a decisive 102-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 28 points and eight assists, while Holmgren contributed a double-double with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks, setting the tone on both ends of the court.
Holmgren’s defensive efforts were key in holding Denver’s offensive rhythm at bay, as he also provided five assists. Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins added 15 points, providing an additional spark that helped Oklahoma City pull away.
For Denver, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 16 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, yet his impact was limited by the Thunder’s pressure on the Nuggets’ supporting cast. Jamal Murray had a difficult shooting night, connecting on just 4-of-14 shots, and finished with 12 points. Christian Braun contributed 16 points for Denver, while Aaron Gordon added 12.
The Thunder bench outperformed Denver’s reserves, outscoring them 25-16. Wiggins led the Thunder’s second unit, while newly added Russell Westbrook had six points for Denver on 2-of-10 shooting. The shooting woes extended to the Nuggets’ 3-point efforts, as Denver struggled from deep, finishing 7-of-39 from beyond the arc.
The game featured the top two teams from last season’s Western Conference, both of whom finished with a 57-25 record, with the Thunder taking the No. 1 seed due to a tiebreaker. Thursday’s opener provided an early look at both teams’ strengths and challenges for the season, with Oklahoma City showing defensive intensity and efficient ball movement that allowed it to maintain a steady lead throughout the game.
Denver’s offense, on the other hand, struggled to find a rhythm, despite Jokic’s best efforts to distribute the ball. The Nuggets frequently misfired from long range and faced turnovers in key stretches, limiting their ability to cut into Oklahoma City’s lead.
With their sights set on a return to the playoffs, Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and depth could prove critical this season. The Thunder’s roster also features players like Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort, who added 12 and five points, respectively, while contributing defensively to stymie Denver’s offensive threats.
