Nuggets – Thunder: How Oklahoma City Tied the Playoff Series Against Denver
The Nuggets – Thunder NBA playoff series has delivered excitement, surprises, and intense competition. On May 11, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a comeback win against the Denver Nuggets, knotting the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2. This article breaks down the game’s key moments, standout performances, and what this result means for the road ahead.
A Defensive Battle Defines Game 4
The Thunder and Nuggets showed defensive grit right from the opening quarter. Both offenses struggled, with the teams combining for just 25 points in the first quarter—setting a new NBA playoff record for lowest opening-quarter total. The Nuggets managed only eight points, marking their poorest quarter ever in postseason history. Even so, the Nuggets – Thunder clash stayed neck and neck, as each squad fought through tired legs and cold shooting spells.
Thunder’s Depth Makes the Difference
Oklahoma City’s bench turned the tide in the fourth quarter. Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Alex Caruso each made critical plays, leading the Thunder's reserves to a combined 36 points. This injection of energy proved vital, especially after both teams endured a grueling overtime battle in Game 3 just two nights prior. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman acknowledged, “I really thought the difference in the game was their bench kind of lit a fuse for them.” For more on how the Thunder's depth impacted Game 4, check out this ESPN game recap.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rises in Crunch Time
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s All-Star guard, delivered when it mattered most. He scored nine of his 25 points in the final quarter, hitting tough shots and orchestrating fast breaks that kept the Nuggets at bay. After fading late in Game 3, SGA’s ability to bounce back became a narrative of resilience and leadership. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star for resetting after adversity, noting how SGA “gets himself right back into play.” For detailed analysis of his performance and Denver’s struggles, visit NBA.com’s full game summary.
Nuggets – Thunder: What Went Wrong for Denver?
Despite a strong showing from Nikola Jokić, who tallied 27 points and 13 rebounds, the Nuggets fell short late. Denver’s bench scored just six points, highlighting a stark contrast in depth between the two teams. Poor shooting haunted Denver overall—they finished at 31% from the field and missed several key free throws in the closing minutes. Jokić himself admitted that Oklahoma City’s swarming defense made shots difficult throughout the night.
Game 4 also exposed how fatigue played a role. Both squads had limited rest, but Oklahoma City’s youth and deep rotation tipped the balance late in the game. Denver failed to execute in crunch time, culminating in costly turnovers, including a five-second violation on a critical inbounds play. For an in-depth breakdown, see Yahoo Sports’ report on the Nuggets – Thunder playoff battle.
Looking Ahead: Series Tied at 2-2
With the Nuggets – Thunder series now tied 2-2, the momentum has swung back to Oklahoma City as the teams head into a pivotal Game 5. The Thunder have proven they can match Denver’s experience with youthful energy, defense, and strategic use of the bench. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will need to solve their shooting woes and find answers for the Thunder’s disciplined defensive schemes.
Fans can expect more back-and-forth action as these two talented teams continue their quest for a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this Nuggets – Thunder playoff series.