Expected to be one of the favorites, if not the favorite in the West, the Thunder sent a first message. Against the 2023 champion Denver in the Rockies, Mark Daigneault's team was in control throughout the match to win by 15 points (102-87). The gap does not seem to reflect the full extent of OKC's domination, particularly impressive in defense, and from the start of the game. By leaving the Nuggets at 41% shooting in the first quarter, the visitors set the tone for the difficult evening that awaited Nikola Jokic and his team.
The MVP had his match, in a distant duel with his runner-up from the last ballot, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But the Serbian's triple double almost went unnoticed, thanks in particular to Chet Holmgren.
The sophomore center dominated the game on both ends of the floor, perfectly illustrating the difference in athleticism between the two teams on Thursday. Chet Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander thus put the Thunder a little more sheltered in a one-sided third quarter by compiling 21 of their 27 points, when Denver was totally unscrewing offensively at 7/29 shooting over the period. , including 1/11 from afar.
Even without always being flamboyant, Oklahoma City only needed to be serious to ensure quiet success after being up to 20 points ahead. Very promising for the Thunder, but far from reassuring for the Nuggets, who missed out on their return to school.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Chet Holmgren responded to the challenge. Without Isaiah Hartenstein or Jaylin Williams, he found himself as the Thunder's only true professional interior on Thursday, with the goal of holding off against Nikola Jokic. Mission succeeded and in what way, as the former Gonzaga dominated, with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, in addition to his usual defensive contribution (4 blocks and 2 interceptions). His ability to draw the play wide hampered Jokic all evening, also paving the way for “SGA”, also on legs (28 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds).
– Denver far from the mark. Already not really reassuring in preseason, the Nuggets delivered a frankly disappointing performance. Outclassed by the intensity of the Thunder, Mike Malone's players never found the key offensively, finishing at a poor 35.4% shooting. Denver was once considering the question of adding a shooter to its squad and it looks more and more like a good idea (7/39 at 3-points, 1/16 for the bench), especially when Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr thus missed out (27 points at 9/31 overall).
– The Thunder still has room for improvement. Not at full strength, OKC did not deliver the most accomplished performance possible, like Jalen Williams on the inside (12 points at 5/16). Only a few small accelerations to get back to level in the first quarter then to distance themselves in the third were necessary to have the match in hand. And to say that the depth of the rotations is already up to par with a good Aaron Wiggins, or the Frenchman Ousmane Dieng, interesting in sequences.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
