Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory Over Short-Handed Nuggets

In a matchup between Western Conference contenders, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up with a stellar performance, scoring 34 points to guide the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 105-100 victory over the short-handed Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

The absence of Denver’s star Nikola Jokic, who sat out due to lower back pain, played a significant role in the Thunder’s success. Oklahoma City capitalized on Jokic’s two-time league MVP’s absence, limiting the defending champion Nuggets to 39.8% shooting.

Chet Holmgren contributed significantly with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, while reserves Aaron Wiggins and Vasilije Micic each added 12 points for the Thunder. Despite missing their No. 2 scorer, Jalen Williams, due to a sprained right ankle, Oklahoma City won the season series 3-1 and avoided their first three-game skid of the season.

Oklahoma City outrebounded Denver 53-47 and outscored the Nuggets 20-11 at the free-throw line. Aaron Gordon had a solid performance for the Nuggets, recording 16 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 15 points and eight rebounds.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a narrow 73-72 lead, the Thunder initiated a decisive 10-0 run, highlighted by a crucial 3-pointer from Lu Dort. Holmgren’s one-handed putback extended the lead to 87-74, setting the tone for the Thunder’s strong finish.

Despite Denver’s efforts to cut the deficit, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, including a pivotal 3-point play and a three-pointer, secured a 10-point lead for Oklahoma City with around four minutes remaining. Denver fought back, with Aaron Gordon’s dunk and Jamal Murray’s free throws narrowing the gap.

Holmgren’s clutch 3-pointer in the final seconds gave the Thunder a four-point lead, and the Thunder’s defensive pressure forced a crucial five-second violation from Denver, ultimately securing the victory for Oklahoma City.