Ten points in a row from Chet Holmgren (24 points) opened the proceedings and allowed the Thunder to take the lead throughout the first quarter. It takes 16 points from the duo Nikola Jokic (19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists but 7 lost balls) – Michael Porter Jr. to keep Denver in contact (33-27).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 points) drives the point home (50-41), but despite seven lost balls in this second half Denver hangs on. Nikola Jokic continues his work and at the break the Nuggets remain in ambush (54-48).
Facing the Nuggets back-to-back, the Thunder then stepped on the accelerator after the break. Seventeen points from an untenable SGA launch a 30-10 which puts Denver and the Ball Arena KO on their feet (84-62). Mike Malone's men will never find the solution. Oklahoma City controls the end of the match and secures a second victory in a row in Denver after that of December 16! The Nuggets had six wins in a row.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A Canadian shines. After scoring 18 points in the first half, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went into video game mode against Denver's helpless defense. After three quarters, he had 35 points of his 40 points at 12/17 on shots! Facing Jokic, SGA made an impression in the race for the MVP title.
– A dark Canadian. Unlike his compatriot, Jamal Murray had a difficult evening. Hampered by the physicality and hardness of the Thunder defense, the Denver leader never knew how to find his rhythm. He finished with 9 points at 4/15 on shots. He still distributed 11 assists.
– The Thunder likes altitude. The Nuggets have only lost three home games this season, including two against the Thunder! To keep in the back of your mind during the playoffs…
– Jokic's crazy address. After his triple-double at 11 out of 11 on shots against the Grizzlies, Jokic continues with a 9 out of 10 on shots! Across the last three meetings, Jokic has made 16 baskets in a row!
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.
