Oklahoma City vs. Denver MVP Showdown: Who Dominated Game 7?

A victory? Technically, it was. 

A powerful declaration? Absolutely and emphatically yes. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Denver Nuggets last Sunday, securing their spot in the Western Conference finals. The term ‘beat’ hardly does justice to how the Thunder overcame the Nuggets. A more apt description would be demolished, thrashed, and hammered, especially considering the Thunder’s 125–93 triumph in Game 7. Initially, the Nuggets were ahead by five at the close of the first quarter, but by the end of the third, they found themselves down by 25. 

Wow, what a show of force. The standout performers for Oklahoma City were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who together scored a staggering 59 points—almost half of the team’s total points. Their defense was impenetrable; the Nuggets managed a mere 39% shooting from the field and a paltry 22% from beyond the arc. The Thunder’s defensive pressure was unyielding, forcing 22 turnovers, 16 of which were from live play. 

“You can’t expect to win a playoff game with those numbers,” remarked Nuggets interim coach David Adelman, describing OKC’s defense as relentless.

Truly, this performance showcased the best of OKC, underlining why they won 68 games, topped the NBA in defensive ratings, and despite their relative youth—did you know they began the season as the youngest team in the league?—were tipped as likely to reach and possibly win the NBA Finals.

“Their team composition can take them places,” said Adelman. “It’s a distinct mix. The way the team has been assembled seems like a recipe for success. It’s more than just raw talent. There’s considerable substance to their play. The players know their roles well.”

Consider Gilgeous-Alexander, likely the MVP of the season. He confessed to feeling anxious. Facing Game 7 on their home court against Nikola Jokic, one of the world’s top players, he remarked, “Fail to bring your best game, and it’s all over.”

Oklahoma City had a shaky start, while Denver, seasoned in playoff battles, kicked off strongly. Christian Braun notched nine points in the first quarter, with Jokic adding seven. Aaron Gordon, despite a significant hamstring injury, managed to grab five rebounds. Given the injuries plaguing key players like Gordon, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., it seemed conceivable that Denver might pull through with a victory despite the odds.

In the second quarter, the Thunder found their rhythm. Williams started to shine. Anyone in Oklahoma City (and I asked around) will tell you: Williams is critical to the Thunder’s playoff prospects. After a disappointing Game 6, where he only scored six points on 3-for-16 shooting, Williams said he had a restless night. He bounced back magnificently in Game 7’s second quarter, nearly tripling his previous game’s score with 17 points, contributing to his 24-point total for the game.

“Tremendous energy,” commented Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He was aggressive right from the start tonight.”

Gilgeous-Alexander added: “He wouldn’t have played like this last year, and I’m sure of that. Seeing him progress like this is truly a moment of pride for me.” 

Alex Caruso, who wasn’t part of the team last year, was brought in exchange for promising playmaker Josh Giddey last summer. His addition has been pivotal, especially with his defensive prowess which was evident throughout the regular season. Caruso excelled in leading a defense that topped the league in steals, deflections, and forced turnovers.

On Sunday, Coach Daigneault assigned him a new role: primary defender against Jokic. Caruso’s relentless activity, reasoned the Thunder, could effectively disrupt Jokic’s game. “The best strategy against a great player,” noted Chet Holmgren, “is to prevent him from getting the ball.” This strategy saw Caruso (6′ 5″, 186 pounds, per NBA.com) grappling with Jokic (6′ 11″, 284) for a grueling 26 minutes.

The outcome: Jokic managed only 20 points on a postseason-low nine field goal attempts. For those who track plus/minus stats, Jokic ended the game at –23, while Caruso astonishingly registered a +40. 

“He’s a player who thrives under pressure,” praised Gilgeous-Alexander. “He grasps the significance of the moment and manages what’s within his control extraordinarily well. No one I’ve played with does that better. He’s always focused, always figuring out how to shift the game in our favor. Whether it’s a regular Tuesday game in February or a critical Game 7, he’s a major reason for our success.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is paramount. While there has been some downplaying of his likely MVP award, framing him as the MVP but Jokic as the NBA’s top player, that might be debatable. However, in Game 7, no one outperformed SGA. He scored 35 points, 11 of which came in the third quarter when the Thunder decisively pulled away. He was 12-for-19 from the field, sank three of his four attempts from three-point range, and made eight of his nine free throws. He didn’t turn the ball over once. Sunday marked the most significant game of Gilgeous-Alexander’s career, and he delivered his finest performance. 

“Do you know who this is?” Holmgren asked during the end of Gilgeous-Alexander’s TV interview. “The MVP.” 

Upcoming challenges continue, with Anthony Edwards and Minnesota waiting next. The Timberwolves, significantly stronger than their 49–33 regular season record suggests, breezed past the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in earlier rounds. Julius Randle has conquered his postseason challenges. Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, is prepared to guard him. Rudy Gobert presents a new obstacle. 

In essence: The Wolves are formidable. Yet, when it comes to this iteration of Oklahoma City, they stand unmatched.

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