Key Takeaways

  • Jalen Williams scored 21 points as Oklahoma City beat Denver 96-84 in its home opener.
  • Chet Holmgren recorded 17 rebounds and four blocks to help the Thunder control the game inside.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak of 141 consecutive regular-season games with at least 20 points came to an end.
  • Aaron Gordon scored 20 points for Denver, which managed only 36 points in the second half.

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 96-84 on Thursday, getting the job done despite a difficult shooting night for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams led the way with 21 points, while Chet Holmgren finished with 12 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks in Oklahoma City’s home opener.

Denver led 48-44 at halftime, but the Thunder took control in the third quarter and held on to their advantage through the final period. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting, ending his streak of 141 consecutive regular-season games with at least 20 points.

The win gives Oklahoma City a 2-0 start to the season after its opening victory over San Antonio. Denver, playing its first game of the campaign, will look to respond in its next matchup against New Orleans.

Jalen Williams And Chet Holmgren Help Thunder Turn The Game Around

Denver started the game well, leading 27-24 after the first quarter and taking a four-point advantage into halftime. Oklahoma City struggled to find its rhythm early, with Gilgeous-Alexander missing all seven of his first-half field-goal attempts. The Thunder began to recover after the break. Gilgeous-Alexander scored on their first possession of the third quarter to cut Denver’s lead to 48-46. The teams traded baskets before Ajay Mitchell’s layup put Oklahoma City ahead 64-62, its first lead since the opening minutes. Three-pointers from Alex Caruso and Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder close the quarter up 70-64.

Williams finished with a game-high 21 points, providing the scoring Oklahoma City needed while its leading scorer struggled. Holmgren made his presence felt around the basket, collecting 17 rebounds and blocking four shots. His work on the boards and defensive end helped the Thunder limit Denver’s opportunities as the game progressed. Oklahoma City was not especially accurate from long range, making 11 of 43 three-point attempts. The team made up for that with its defensive work and contributions from multiple players. According to the game recap from CBS Sports, Williams and Holmgren were central to the win as the Thunder overcame their slow start.

The Thunder also forced Denver into mistakes after halftime. Oklahoma City’s defence helped create separation late in the third quarter, leaving the Nuggets with little room to recover in the fourth. You can find the full scoring breakdown, player statistics and quarter-by-quarter results on the official NBA game page.

Also read: Peru Prepares Gambling Advertising Rules as Betting Tax Changes Remain Under Review

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scoring Streak Ends As Denver Starts With A Loss

Gilgeous-Alexander entered the game after scoring 32 points against San Antonio in the season opener. Against Denver, however, he finished with 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting. That ended his run of 141 consecutive regular-season games with at least 20 points, which had begun in October 2024. The streak ending was notable, but Gilgeous-Alexander still contributed in the second half. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer that extended Oklahoma City’s lead to 93-76 with 1:44 remaining. He then left the game during a timeout with the Thunder comfortably ahead.

Denver’s Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 20 points, while Nikola Jokic and DeMar DeRozan added 13 points apiece. Jokic struggled with his shooting, making five of his 19 attempts from the field. Denver scored 16 points in the third quarter and 20 in the fourth, allowing Oklahoma City to maintain its lead. The loss gives Denver an early setback in its season opener. The team will have an opportunity to respond when it hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. Oklahoma City is scheduled to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, according to the latest game coverage.

Thunder will take confidence from a win in which their leading scorer had an unusually quiet night. Williams and Holmgren supplied the production needed to get past Denver, while the team’s defence helped turn a halftime deficit into a 12-point victory. For the Nuggets, improving their second-half offence will be an early priority as the season gets underway.