Nuggets vs Thunder 2025: A Western Conference Semifinal Showdown to Remember

Game 1 Recap: A Buzzer-Beater Shocker in Oklahoma City

The series opener on May 5, 2025, was nothing short of a masterpiece, with the Denver Nuggets stealing a 121-119 victory on the road against the heavily favored Thunder. Aaron Gordon emerged as the hero, sinking a clutch 3-pointer with just 2.8 seconds left, assisted by a resurgent Russell Westbrook. The shot not only silenced the Paycom Center crowd but also handed the Thunder their first real test of the 2025 playoffs after a dominant first-round sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Nikola Jokić was the standout for Denver, posting an incredible 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists, outdueling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who countered with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jamal Murray added 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Gordon contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds. For the Thunder, Alex Caruso stepped up with 20 points and 6 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s late-game heroics. The Nuggets’ ability to dominate second-chance points (27-21) and points in the paint (54-48) proved decisive, despite Oklahoma City’s edge in 3-point shooting (13-34 compared to Denver’s 6-24).

The MVP Duel: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Nikola Jokić

At the heart of the Nuggets vs Thunder series is the matchup between two of the NBA’s brightest stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Nikola Jokić. SGA, the presumed 2025 MVP winner, led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game during the regular season, guiding the Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins. His crafty scoring ability, especially in the paint, poses a significant challenge for Denver’s defense, which lacks a true perimeter stopper to contain him.

Jokić, a three-time MVP and the 2023 champion, remains the best player on the planet in the eyes of many. His Game 1 performance—42 points on 15-of-29 shooting, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists—underscored his ability to dominate on both ends. However, Denver’s well-documented struggles in “non-Jokić minutes” (a -9.3 net rating during the regular season) were evident, as the Thunder capitalized on his brief absences. This series will likely hinge on how well Denver manages those minutes and whether SGA can exploit Jokić’s defensive limitations with his relentless drives.

Key Matchups to Watch in Nuggets vs Thunder

Beyond the MVP duel, several matchups will shape the outcome of this series. Jamal Murray, Denver’s dynamic point guard, faces a tough challenge against the Thunder’s elite perimeter defenders like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace. Murray’s playoff pedigree is undeniable—he averaged 22.9 points in the first round—but his inconsistent 2025 season (partly due to health concerns) makes his performance a critical X-factor. In Game 1, he showed flashes of his 2023 playoff form, but the Thunder’s defensive depth could wear him down.

For the Thunder, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren provide the supporting cast SGA needs to compete with Denver’s firepower. Williams, with 16 points and 7 rebounds in Game 1, is a versatile scorer who can exploit mismatches, while Holmgren’s rim protection and spacing (4 blocks in a regular-season game against Denver) challenge Jokić inside. However, Holmgren’s missed free throws late in Game 1 opened the door for Denver’s comeback, highlighting the Thunder’s relative inexperience in high-stakes moments.

Denver’s bench, led by Russell Westbrook, also plays a pivotal role. Westbrook’s 18 points off the bench in Game 1, including the assist on Gordon’s game-winner, marked a continuation of his redemption tour after a strong first-round series against the Clippers. The Thunder, meanwhile, boast a deeper roster, with players like Isaiah Hartenstein unlocking double-big lineups and Isaiah Joe providing floor spacing.

Historical Context: Thunder and Nuggets Playoff Rivalry

The Nuggets and Thunder have a storied playoff history, though they haven’t met in the postseason since 2011, when Kevin Durant’s Thunder dispatched the Nuggets in five games in the first round. Fast forward to 2025, and the dynamics have shifted dramatically. The Thunder, now led by SGA, are a juggernaut, posting the second-best net rating (12.8) in NBA history during the regular season. Five of the seven teams to win 68 or more games in a season went on to win the championship, making OKC the betting favorite to take the title.

Denver, however, brings championship experience from their 2023 title run. Despite a tougher regular season (50-32), the Nuggets showed resilience by overcoming the Los Angeles Clippers in a grueling seven-game first-round series. Their ability to split the regular-season series with the Thunder (2-2), including a 140-127 win on March 10, 2025, where they shot 60.5% from the field, proves they can compete with OKC’s high-powered offense. This historical balance adds intrigue to a series that pits youth and depth against experience and star power.

Series Schedule and How to Watch Nuggets vs Thunder

For American fans eager to follow the Nuggets vs Thunder series, here’s the full schedule (all times Eastern):

• Game 1: Nuggets 121, Thunder 119 (May 5, 9:30 p.m., TNT)

• Game 2: Nuggets at Thunder (May 7, 9:30 p.m., TNT)

• Game 3: Thunder at Nuggets (May 9, 10:00 p.m., ESPN)

• Game 4: Thunder at Nuggets (May 11, 3:30 p.m., ABC)

• Game 5 (if necessary): Nuggets at Thunder (May 13, TBD, TNT)

• Game 6 (if necessary): Thunder at Nuggets (May 15, TBD, ESPN)

• Game 7 (if necessary): Nuggets at Thunder (May 18, TBD)

Games are broadcast on TNT, ESPN, and ABC, with streaming options available on platforms like Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV, and Max. Check local listings for availability.

Predictions: Can the Nuggets Upset the Thunder?

Despite the Game 1 loss, the Thunder remain the favorites, with oddsmakers listing them at -485 to win the series before the opener. Their depth, defense (No. 1 in the league, allowing 107.5 points per 100 possessions), and home-court advantage make them a formidable opponent. However, the Nuggets’ Game 1 victory exposed vulnerabilities in OKC’s young core, particularly in clutch moments, as seen with Holmgren’s missed free throws and the team’s 25 turnovers.

Denver’s championship pedigree, led by Jokić’s brilliance and Gordon’s clutch play, gives them a fighting chance. If Murray can regain his 2023 playoff form and Westbrook continues his hot streak, the Nuggets could push this series to seven games. However, the Thunder’s ability to dominate non-Jokić minutes and their defensive versatility might prove too much. Prediction: Thunder in 6, but expect a tightly contested series with multiple close games.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Both Teams

For the Thunder, this series is a chance to prove their rebuild has reached its peak. A deep playoff run would validate their 68-win season and position SGA as the face of the NBA’s next generation. For the Nuggets, it’s about reclaiming their status as Western Conference elites after a challenging regular season. A win here could propel them toward another Finals appearance, reinforcing Jokić’s legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Why Nuggets vs Thunder 2025 Captivates American Fans

The Nuggets vs Thunder 2025 series encapsulates everything American NBA fans love: star power, high stakes, and dramatic moments. From Jokić and SGA’s MVP duel to Gordon’s buzzer-beater, this matchup delivers on all fronts. As the series unfolds, it’s poised to be a defining moment in the 2025 playoffs, with both teams showcasing the best of Western Conference basketball. Stay tuned—this is one series you won’t want to miss.