This match between two of the best teams in the Western Conference kept its promises. The level of play was never exceptional but the suspense was there and the duels were physical, very physical at times. The proof with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, discreet and clumsy in the first period because he was always well defended.
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic start the Nuggets in a rhythmic first quarter (31-27), then it is the substitutes who will make the difference at 3-points. DeAndre Jordan also makes his presence felt in the racket, but the Thunder remains in contact at the break (56-54).
In the third quarter, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren showed up to respond to Michael Porter Jr's winning shots. Nothing was done at the start of the last act (87-85). Denver thinks it has broken with an 8-2 lead to start the fourth quarter. But the Thunder still resist.
Jalen Williams is very valuable with his baskets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is regaining his skill. Oklahoma City goes 15-6 and, despite baskets from Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, has a ball in the match in the final seconds. The Canadian does not miss, with a mid-range shot, and the Thunder wins 118-117.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Thunder strikes at the right time. We could almost call it a drag match for Mike Daigneault's troops. Never in front, but never too far behind either. The Nuggets did what was necessary, put the shots in “money time”. However, there was still an opportunity and it's already too much for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A 12-4 in the last three minutes, with the winning basket from the Canadian and the OKC players inflicted a second home defeat on the reigning champions.
– Chet Holmgren close to triple-double. SGA is obviously the hero of the match, when Jalen Williams was also excellent, but the rookie hit hard, almost without making any noise. Not with his 17 points and 11 rebounds, but with his 9 blocks! Including a huge one on an Aaron Gordon dunk attempt in the fourth quarter.
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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.
