Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a 40-point performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Denver Nuggets 127-103 on Sunday.
Oklahoma City (53-11) extended its winning streak to seven games and maintained its grip on the top spot in the Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander added eight assists and made all eight of his free throws.
Jalen Williams contributed 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Chet Holmgren tallied 14 points and eight rebounds. The Thunder controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring Denver 41-20.
Nikola Jokic, who remains a frontrunner in the MVP race, recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points and 15 rebounds, but Denver (41-23) struggled offensively in the final period.
The Nuggets opened the game with a 10-0 run, forcing Oklahoma City to adjust early. The Thunder responded quickly, cutting the deficit to one by the end of the first quarter.
By halftime, Oklahoma City led 61-60 after Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm, scoring 22 first-half points. Denver kept it close behind Jokic’s playmaking and Porter Jr.’s rebounding.
In the third quarter, the teams remained locked in a tight battle, with the Thunder holding a slim 86-83 advantage entering the final frame.
Oklahoma City took full control in the fourth quarter, fueled by a defensive sequence that led to a Chet Holmgren dunk off an Aaron Wiggins steal. The play ignited a 12-2 run, forcing Denver head coach Michael Malone to call timeout.
Malone received a technical foul shortly after, and Williams converted the free throw. From there, the Thunder dominated both ends of the floor, pushing the lead past 20.
Denver shot just 41.2% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc, failing to keep up with Oklahoma City’s pace. Jokić, usually dominant in the post, faced tough matchups against Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, limiting his impact down the stretch.
Russell Westbrook struggled off the bench for Denver, scoring only four points on 1-of-9 shooting. Jamal Murray added 17 points but shot just 6-of-17 from the floor.
The Thunder committed just five turnovers while forcing 12 from the Nuggets. Oklahoma City also won the rebounding battle 56-48, securing key second-chance opportunities.
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to make his case for MVP, as the Thunder sit atop the Western Conference with a commanding lead.
