Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals

The 2025 Western Conference Semifinals saw an exciting matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over seven games, fans witnessed dramatic swings, individual brilliance, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we will break down the key performances and analyze player stats from each game in the series.

The Showdown: Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 postseason as one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the sharpshooting Jamal Murray. On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by their star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were eager to prove that they could go toe-to-toe with the best of the West.

The series was tightly contested, going to seven games. The Thunder ultimately emerged victorious with a dominant 4-3 series win, including a commanding Game 7 victory. However, the road to the final result was filled with standout player performances from both teams. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the stats that defined the series, focusing on the performances of the star players as well as pivotal moments that shaped the outcome.

Game 1: A Tightly Contested Opener

Final Score: Denver Nuggets 110, Oklahoma City Thunder 104

In the first game of the series, the Denver Nuggets showed their resilience with a strong performance at home. Nikola Jokić posted an impressive 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing why he’s considered one of the best all-around players in the NBA. Jamal Murray contributed 23 points, including some crucial baskets down the stretch, while Aaron Gordon’s 14 points and 8 rebounds proved vital in holding off the Thunder’s charge.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a constant threat, scoring 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Thunder’s supporting cast struggled, with Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey combining for only 24 points. Despite strong individual efforts from SGA, the Thunder’s lack of offensive depth in this game showed.

Game 2: The Thunder Strike Back

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 115, Denver Nuggets 107

Game 2 saw the Thunder bounce back from their Game 1 defeat with a strong performance on the road. The star of the game was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 36 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact proved to be too much for the Nuggets’ defense.

The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić had another near triple-double, with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, but once again, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the dominant performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. Murray added 20 points, but he struggled to find his rhythm in the second half, leading to a pivotal loss for Denver.

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s bench stepped up, with both Jalen Williams and Lou Dort scoring in double figures, offering much-needed support to Gilgeous-Alexander.

Game 3: Denver Dominates on the Road

Final Score: Denver Nuggets 121, Oklahoma City Thunder 109

After losing Game 2, the Nuggets came out swinging in Game 3, delivering a crucial win on the road. Jokić posted 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Nuggets in a dominant performance. Murray also found his rhythm, contributing 26 points and 7 assists.

The Thunder couldn’t match the intensity of the Nuggets in this game. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points, but he was the only consistent threat on the offensive end. Jalen Williams had a solid game with 18 points, but the team struggled to find enough scoring outside of SGA. Denver’s defensive rotations were sharp, and they limited the Thunder’s shooters to low percentages.

Game 4: The Thunder Fight Back

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 112, Denver Nuggets 106

Game 4 was another pivotal moment in the series. The Thunder, playing at home, seized control and evened the series. Gilgeous-Alexander again was the standout performer, posting 33 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Jalen Williams continued his strong play, adding 22 points and 5 rebounds, while Dort and Giddey both provided important contributions on the defensive end.

Nikola Jokić, who posted 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, was once again the driving force for Denver. However, the Nuggets’ defense struggled in Game 4, allowing the Thunder to find open looks and capitalize on key possessions. This was a turning point in the series, as it shifted the momentum in favor of Oklahoma City.

Game 5: The Thunder Take the Lead

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 112, Denver Nuggets 105

Game 5 was a critical contest, and the Thunder managed to take a 3-2 series lead. Once again, Gilgeous-Alexander was the star, scoring 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 24 points, showcasing his scoring ability in the postseason. The Thunder’s defense also tightened up, limiting Murray to just 17 points and forcing other Nuggets players to step up.

Nikola Jokić put up another massive performance with 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, but the Nuggets lacked the support needed to secure the win. Murray and Gordon were inconsistent, and the Thunder’s defensive efforts against the Nuggets’ supporting cast were effective.

Game 6: The Nuggets Force a Game 7

Final Score: Denver Nuggets 119, Oklahoma City Thunder 107

In a must-win Game 6, the Nuggets showed their championship pedigree by forcing a decisive Game 7. Nikola Jokić led the charge with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Jamal Murray delivered a crucial 24-point performance. The Nuggets also received solid contributions from Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, who combined for 30 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite another impressive performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 32 points, the Thunder couldn’t match the Nuggets’ intensity in Game 6. The Nuggets played excellent defense, limiting the Thunder’s shooters and keeping them off the free-throw line. This set up a thrilling Game 7 that would decide the series.

Game 7: Thunder’s Dominance Seals the Win

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 125, Denver Nuggets 93

The deciding Game 7 was a complete blowout, as the Thunder dominated the Nuggets, winning by 32 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again exceptional, scoring 35 points, while Jalen Williams added 24 points and 7 rebounds. The Thunder’s defense was airtight, and they limited the Nuggets’ offense to just 93 points.

Nikola Jokić struggled in Game 7, finishing with only 20 points and 9 rebounds. Jamal Murray also had an off-night, scoring just 13 points on poor shooting. The Thunder’s collective effort proved to be too much for the Nuggets, as Oklahoma City moved on to the next round with a stunning victory.

Key Stats and Observations:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the clear standout of the series, averaging 31.4 points per game and contributing across the board with assists and rebounds. His ability to control the game and lead his team in scoring was pivotal in the Thunder’s success.
• Nikola Jokić continued his dominance for Denver, averaging 29.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, but his performances weren’t enough to carry his team to victory.
• Jamal Murray, despite having moments of brilliance, struggled to maintain consistency throughout the series. He averaged 20 points per game, but his inability to step up in clutch moments cost the Nuggets.
• Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey were critical for the Thunder. Williams averaged 21.7 points per game and provided the offensive spark the Thunder needed, while Giddey contributed valuable playmaking and defense.

Conclusion

The series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals was a thrilling, closely contested battle. The Thunder’s star power, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, proved to be too much for the Nuggets, despite remarkable individual performances from Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive improvements helped them secure the series victory.

For basketball fans, this series will be remembered for its standout performances and the rise of the Thunder as a serious contender in the Western Conference. If you want to stay updated on more detailed breakdowns like this, be sure to visit Empire Magazines, where we cover all things NBA and more.

FAQS

1. Who won the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder?
   • The Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals in a 4-3 series victory over the Denver Nuggets.
2. What was the performance of Nikola Jokić in the series?
   • Nikola Jokić had an outstanding series, averaging 29.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. He was the primary offensive force for the Nuggets, but despite his efforts, the team fell short against the Thunder.
3. How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform in the series?
   • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was exceptional throughout the series, averaging 31.4 points per game. His leadership and offensive skill were crucial in the Thunder’s victory, making him the standout player of the series.
4. What were the key moments in the series that led to the Thunder’s win?
   • The Thunder’s victory was cemented in Game 7, where they won by 32 points. Key moments included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued dominance, the Thunder’s defensive improvements, and the Nuggets’ inability to consistently support Jokić and Murray.
5. Who were the other key players for the Thunder in the series?
   • Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey were vital contributors to the Thunder’s success. Williams averaged 21.7 points per game and provided offensive support, while Giddey’s playmaking and defensive contributions helped balance the team’s performance.
6. How did Jamal Murray perform for the Nuggets?
   • Jamal Murray averaged 20 points per game in the series. While he had moments of brilliance, he struggled with consistency in key games, particularly in Games 5 and 7, which hurt the Nuggets’ chances.
7. What was the final score of Game 7?
   • In Game 7, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-93, securing their 4-3 series win and advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
8. Did the Nuggets have any other standout players besides Jokić and Murray?
   • Yes, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. had moments of impact, particularly in Game 6, where they contributed a combined 30 points and 12 rebounds. However, their performances were not enough to overcome the Thunder in crucial games.
9. What was the most significant factor in the Thunder’s success?
   • The most significant factor in the Thunder’s success was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding individual performances, along with the team’s defense, which limited the Nuggets’ key players in crucial moments.
10. How did the series affect the Thunder’s playoff standing?

• The Thunder’s victory over the Nuggets propelled them forward in the playoffs, positioning them as a strong contender in the Western Conference and showcasing their potential as a future powerhouse.