The Oklahoma City Thunder rolled through Game 7, defeating the Denver Nuggets in a blowout, 125-93. With this remarkable comeback win, they booked their first trip ever to the NBA’s Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the head of the beast that night, as he poured in 35 points, proving his scoring ability at all levels of the game. Jalen Williams was a big reason why, scoring 24 points to play a key role in Oklahoma City’s victory.
The Thunder, who had more regular-season wins than any team ever with 68, flexed their muscles immediately. They dominated the Nuggets 39-20 in the second quarter, building a huge cushion. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Oklahoma City had built a 60-46 lead and established control for the rest of the contest.
As the third quarter wore on, Oklahoma City just kept pouring it on, ending the period up 97-72. Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency from the free-throw line was on display here as he calmly sank both when he was fouled a minute into the quarter. Williams continued to extend the Thunder’s lead with a big mid-range shot, making it 66-46.
Despite Aaron Gordon’s efforts for the Nuggets—who started the game despite nursing a strained left hamstring—his performance was marred by a flagrant-1 foul for elbowing Gilgeous-Alexander in the face early in the third. This foul was figurative icing on the cake illustrating the frustrations that were engulfing Denver as Oklahoma City continued to determine their pace and rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Thunder’s win … colossal! It’s their first trip to the conference finals since 2016, a crowning achievement for a franchise often celebrated, but rarely rewarded for their ingenuity and skill. With this win, Oklahoma City solidifies its position as the top seed in the Western Conference and showcases their readiness to compete for a championship.
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