Thunder vs Denver Game Update: Oklahoma City Takes 3-2 Series Lead with Fourth Quarter Comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Denver Nuggets 112-105 in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points as the Thunder now lead the series 3-2 and are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

Key Highlights from Thunder vs Denver Game 5

Despite Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić combining for 72 points, the Denver Nuggets couldn’t hold onto their lead as the Oklahoma City Thunder mounted an impressive fourth-quarter comeback. The Thunder outscored the Nuggets 34-19 in the final period to secure the crucial Game 5 win at home.

The game’s turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Jalen Williams hit a corner three-pointer to break a 103-103 tie. On the following possession, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered what proved to be the dagger shot, extending the Thunder’s lead and securing the victory.

Nikola Jokić tried to keep the Nuggets in the game with an incredible fadeaway three-pointer over Chet Holmgren with under two minutes remaining, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Oklahoma City’s balanced attack down the stretch.

Top Performers in the Thunder vs Denver Matchup

Nikola Jokić

44 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

17-of-40 field goals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

31 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

11-of-22 field goals, 8-of-8 free throws

Jamal Murray

28 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

10-of-27 field goals

The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their depth with six players scoring in double figures. Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points, Jalen Williams added 18, Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 15, Chet Holmgren scored 14, Alex Caruso had 13, and Luguentz Dort finished with 12 points.

For Denver, the scoring burden fell heavily on Jokić and Murray. Aaron Gordon was the only other Nugget to reach double figures with 13 points, as the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent offense.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown of Thunder vs Denver

The Thunder’s fourth quarter surge was the difference in Game 5

First Half: Nuggets Take Control

The Denver Nuggets started strong, taking a 56-54 lead into halftime behind Nikola Jokić’s 19 points and 9 rebounds. The Nuggets built a lead as large as 10 points midway through the second quarter before the Thunder closed the gap before the break.

Second Half: Thunder’s Comeback

Denver extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 30-24 to take a nine-point advantage into the final period. However, the Thunder’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, holding the Nuggets to just 19 points while their offense caught fire. Oklahoma City hit their final six shots of the game to secure the comeback victory.

Post-Game Reactions to Thunder vs Denver Game 5

“Our guys showed tremendous resilience tonight. We stayed with it even when we were down, and our defense in the fourth quarter was the difference. That’s playoff basketball – you have to be able to win in different ways.”

– Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach

“We had control for most of the game, but we couldn’t close it out. They made the plays down the stretch and we didn’t. We need to be better in Game 6 back at home.”

– David Adelman, Nuggets Interim Head Coach

How This Game Impacts the Thunder vs Denver Series

The Thunder now lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 in Denver

With this victory, the Oklahoma City Thunder have taken their first lead of the series at 3-2 and are now just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. The series now shifts back to Denver for Game 6 on Thursday night.

The defending champion Nuggets find themselves in a must-win situation. Denver has shown resilience throughout the playoffs, including forcing a Game 7 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round after trailing in that series.

What’s at Stake in Game 6

Injury Concerns Heading into Game 6

Jamal Murray’s health status is a concern for Denver heading into Game 6

A potential concern for the Denver Nuggets heading into the crucial Game 6 is the health of star guard Jamal Murray. Reports indicate Murray is dealing with an illness that had him listed as questionable before being cleared to play in Game 6. His condition could significantly impact Denver’s chances of extending the series.

Murray scored 28 points in Denver’s Game 5 loss and was the only Nuggets player besides Jokić to provide significant offensive production. His effectiveness while playing through illness could be a major factor in Thursday’s game.

Thunder vs Denver Game 6 Details

Ball Arena in Denver will host the critical Game 6 matchup

Complete Thunder vs Denver Series Schedule

Western Conference Playoff Picture

Current Western Conference Playoff bracket with Thunder leading Nuggets 3-2

The winner of the Thunder vs Denver series will advance to face the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors series in the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves currently lead that series 3-2 with Game 6 scheduled for Friday night in San Francisco.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks hold a 3-2 lead over the Boston Celtics, while the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers are tied 3-3 with Game 7 set for Sunday.

Path to the NBA Finals

If the Oklahoma City Thunder can close out the series against Denver, they would have home-court advantage in the Western Conference Finals regardless of who advances from the other semifinal matchup. As the top seed in the West, the Thunder would also have home-court advantage in the NBA Finals against any Eastern Conference team except the Boston Celtics.

What to Watch for in Thunder vs Denver Game 6

Denver’s Home Court Advantage

The Nuggets have been strong at home throughout the season and will look to use the altitude and crowd support to their advantage in this elimination game.

Murray’s Health Status

How effective Jamal Murray can be while battling illness will be crucial to Denver’s chances of forcing a Game 7.

Thunder’s Closing Ability

Can the young Oklahoma City team handle the pressure of closing out the defending champions on the road?

Game 6 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets promises to be another thrilling chapter in what has been an exciting Western Conference semifinal series. The Thunder have momentum after their comeback victory in Game 5, but the defending champion Nuggets have shown resilience throughout the season and will be fighting to keep their title defense alive.