The Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to take on the Denver Nuggets in the highly anticipated Western Conference Semifinals, kicking off on Monday night at the Paycom Center. After a stellar first round where they swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0, the Thunder are riding high on momentum and confidence. Head coach Mark Daigneault has led the team to the top seed in the conference, and they are eager to prove themselves against the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are coming off a grueling seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, which they won decisively with a 120-101 victory in Game 7 on Saturday night. The Nuggets boast an impressive roster, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, both of whom have proven to be clutch performers in the playoffs.
As the series approaches, Thunder guard Alex Caruso emphasized the challenge posed by Jokic, stating, "Jokic is in that tier of players, along with Shai and a handful of other guys in the league, where they’re just going to kind of get their numbers. The biggest thing is just making it tough on him. He’s a great player.” Jokic has been a force in the playoffs, averaging 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game across seven appearances.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been the driving force behind the Thunder’s success, is also a key player to watch. He has scored over 30 points in each of his last two playoff games, leading the league in scoring with an impressive average of 32.7 points per game on 52% shooting during the regular season. This series could very well determine the MVP race, as both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are finalists for the prestigious award.
Daigneault, who won the Coach of the Year Award last season, is determined to lead his team to the next level. He acknowledged the Nuggets' experience, saying, "Great players, great competitors, a team we have a lot of respect for. We’re obviously very familiar with them from the last few years. They’ve had a lot of continuity, we’ve had a lot of continuity. Great familiarity, it will be a great series, and looking forward to competing." The Thunder and Nuggets split their regular-season series 2-2, with each team winning one game at home and one on the road.
Despite the Nuggets' recent success, the Thunder enter the series as clear favorites. They enjoyed more than a full week of rest after their first-round sweep, while the Nuggets had to battle through a tough series against the Clippers. This could give Oklahoma City a critical physical advantage as they prepare to face a team that relies heavily on its starters due to a relatively short bench.
In contrast to the Nuggets' rotation, the Thunder have a deep roster, with Daigneault often utilizing a 10-man rotation. This depth could prove pivotal as the series progresses, especially if games become physically demanding. The Thunder’s ability to wear down their opponents with fresh legs could be a decisive factor.
As both teams prepare for Game 1, the stakes are high. A victory for the Thunder could solidify Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's position as the MVP favorite, while a strong performance from Jokic could reignite his own MVP candidacy. The outcome of this series not only impacts the playoffs but could also shape the narrative surrounding the league's most valuable player.
Game 1 is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Denver time on Monday, May 5, 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying matchup between two of the NBA's top teams. With both sides boasting star power and a wealth of talent, this series is sure to deliver excitement and drama as they vie for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
