Nuggets Claim Game 1 Victory Over Thunder in Western Semifinals

Oklahoma City, OK — The Denver Nuggets rallied from behind to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-119, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2025, at Paycom Center.

Nikola Jokic spearheaded the Nuggets’ comeback with an impressive performance, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds. His efforts included a crucial 3-pointer with just a minute left, helping Denver close an 8-0 scoring run. Denver’s late-game surge capped off a pivotal victory in the best-of-seven series.

Despite leading for most of the game, the Thunder’s advantage slipped away as fatigue set in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, but missed free throws late in the game hurt their chances to secure a win.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Thunder holding a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Russell Westbrook, who was making his playoff debut in Oklahoma City, added 18 points for the Nuggets, highlighting a key moment in the game.

The Thunder struggled early on but found their rhythm in the second quarter. Alex Caruso‘s standout defensive performance included five steals, contributing significantly to OKC’s ability to apply pressure.

Diving deeper into team statistics, the Nuggets shot 44.2% from the field, compared to the Thunder’s 42%. However, Oklahoma City made more 3-pointers, registering 34.9% from distance, which proved vital in keeping the game competitive.

The teams combined for a thrilling score with both home and away fans on their feet at a packed Paycom Center, recording an attendance of 18,203. Game 2 in the series is scheduled for May 7 at 8:30 p.m. CT, with the Nuggets hoping to build on their momentum.