Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder impose their law on Denver

It was their first clash since then Game 7 of the last Western Conference Finals. And this first of the four rounds scheduled in the regular part of the season goes to the Thunder. in Denver, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a new offensive record (34 points on 11/16 shooting) and found a less than expected lieutenant, Cason Wallacethe author of the best in his career (27 points).

In front is above everything Peyton Watson who did well (29 points), especially signing a big “poster” on Chet Holmgren, doc Nikola Jokicfor his second game back from injury, he was fairly reserved (16 points on 6/9). And that Jamal Murrayfollowed closely by Lou Dort, missed an opportunity to celebrate his first All-Star selection (12 points on 4/16 shooting).

Despite their playmaker’s clumsiness, David Adelman’s men finished with a better skill level than their opponents. However, not enough to take the lead even once. Since they were in the lead, the visitors quickly took the advantage and in the second quarter led by about ten points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still too easy

The home team’s run would reduce the gap, but the Canadian from OKC found Cason Wallace in the corner and ended the favorable first period (55-62). This gap of about ten units was naturally recreated by the Thunder in the next period, and the Nuggets continued to fight to get back a possession or two.

By only focusing defensive attention on “SGA”, they still too often forgot about Cason Wallace, who just had to wait to be served in the corner. His two game-winning baskets in a row gave his team a breath of fresh air. Aaron Wiggins also got involved, before the “circus shoot” of “SGA” by crashing despite the mistake.

With twelve minutes left, the Thunder had a 16-point lead (85-101). Sufficient lead from the reigning champion who managed to keep control of the pace of the match. As a symbol, “SGA” stole the skin of Nikola Jokić and launched a counterattack to find Wallace with a dunk three minutes from the end (103-120). After three losses in their last four appearances, OKC is back in the right direction.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The neo-all-stars are fighting. Lieutenants of their MVPs, Jamal Murray and Chet Holmgren just got their first starbut they suffered a lot in this game. The former finished well with a double-double (12 points and 12 assists), but had difficulty getting rid of Lou Dort and sprayed from long range (1/8). The Thunder’s interior fared no better in this area (1/7 on 3-pointers and 3/10 overall), and he was satisfied with 14 points.

Cason Wallace steps out of his box. He never reached 20 points this season. On this night, he far surpassed it, to the extent that he broke his previous career high (22). Wallace, who spent most of the night in the corners, signed off on this performance based on tremendous 3-point skill: 7/11 from long range. Impressive skill level for a guard who shot a modest 32.5% from behind the arc in January 2026.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.