The Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, sought redemption on Monday night after a disappointing loss the previous evening. Despite a challenging first half, the Nuggets surged ahead in the fourth quarter to secure a 140-127 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. This win was a stark contrast to their 24-point defeat the night before, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with another 40-point performance.
In a back-and-forth battle, the Nuggets overcame a six-point halftime deficit and entered the final quarter with a slight lead. A strong start to the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 24-12 run, propelled them to a 14-point advantage – their largest of the game. Denver maintained their lead for the remainder of the game, clinching a 13-point victory without much resistance.
Jokić nearly achieved a triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists. Jamal Murray contributed 34 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 17 points. The Nuggets displayed exceptional shooting percentages, with over 60% from the field and over 56% from beyond the arc. Nearly every player who took the court scored in double figures.
This victory elevated Denver’s record to 42-23 for the season, including an impressive 12-1 record in back-to-back games. Lu Dort led the Thunder with 26 points and seven rebounds, supported by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 25 points and seven assists, and Hartenstein’s 20 points.
Unfortunately, the Thunder suffered a setback when Jalen Williams exited the game in the first half due to a right hip strain. Despite this loss, Oklahoma City maintains a strong position in the Western Conference with a 53-12 record, leading the Nuggets by 11 games. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers boast a better record in the league.
Looking ahead, a potential playoff matchup between Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander promises to be a thrilling series based on their recent clashes.