Thunder, Nuggets Split Two-Game Set in Possible WCF Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder (53-12) and Denver Nuggets (42-23) split their back-to-back series in what could be a Western Conference Finals preview.

The two teams met at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for a two-game set on Sunday and Monday. It was a battle between arguably the two best teams in the conference. The Thunder have separated themselves during the regular season, building a double-digit lead in the standings from the rest of the pack. The Nuggets are the last Western Conference team to win an NBA title.

OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver’s Nikola Jokić are expected to finish 1st and 2nd in MVP voting this season. By all measures, this was a marquee showdown between elite squads.

They split their first two matchups of the season. The Thunder got the better of the Nuggets on opening night — 102-87 — in what ended up being a preview of OKC’s elite defense. Two weeks later, the Nuggets handed the Thunder their first loss of the season in a 124-122 thriller. With the season series tied up, all eyes were on this back-to-back set.

The No. 1 seed in the Western Conference struck first on Sunday. After a tightly contested three quarters, the Thunder pulled away in the final frame. OKC outscored Denver 41-20 in the fourth en route to a 127-103 win. MVP favorite Gilgeous-Alexander made all four of his shot attempts in the final quarter and finished the game with 40 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

OKC’s stifling defense held Denver to 41.2-percent shooting on the evening. Nuggets guards Jamal Murray — 6-for-17 — and Russell Westbrook — 1-for-9 — especially struggled against the Thunder’s elite perimeter defenders.

Monday was a different story as both offenses started to click. Seven players were in double-figures heading into the half as both teams were shooting well over 50-percent. In the second half, the Nuggets’ offense kept rolling as the Thunder’s slowed down. Jokić shot 8-for-8 in the second half and finished the game with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists on 15-of-20 shooting. Murray added 34 points and 6 assists.

Reserve wing Peyton Watson played a big role in the win. He played 24 minutes on Monday after just six minutes in the previous game. Watson shot 6-of-7 from the field (4-of-4 from three) and provided excellent defense. Westbrook also deserves some praise. After playing poorly on Sunday, Westbrook was inserted into the starting lineup for Monday’s game and played well (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6-of-10 shooting).

Both games serve as a representation of the ceilings for each team. On Sunday, OKC’s defense and Gilgeous-Alexander’s absurd shotmaking shined late. Monday’s showdown featured Denver’s high-powered offense and the three-time MVP Jokić at his best.

One important detail to note, both teams weren’t at full strength.

Denver’s Aaron Gordon suffered a calf injury Sunday which held him to just seven minutes. He was out on Monday and his return date is unknown. Gordon has been dealing with injuries all year that have limited him to just 38 games. His health will be imperative for the Nuggets to make a playoff push. Not only is he an excellent defender and underrated passer, but Gordon’s improved three-point shot (44.4-percent this season) has been a revelation in 2025.

For the Thunder, Jalen Williams was ruled out at halftime Monday with a hip injury. Williams poured in 13 fourth-quarter points in Sunday’s win. A first-time All-Star this year, Williams’ role as a secondary playmaker and the team’s most versatile defender is invaluable. Losing Williams for an extended period won’t do much to danger their regular season standing. However, with just a month left until the postseason begins the Thunder will want to be hitting their groove entering April.

Monday’s matchup wrapped up the season series between these two clubs. However, there’s a good chance we see them match up again soon. A seven-game series between these two teams would be a treat to watch.