5 keys to Game 7 between the Thunder and Nuggets1. Jalen Williams Must Bounce Back
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to carry the Thunder offensively, but he can’t do it alone, especially not in Denver. Jalen Williams’ 3-for-16 shooting night in Game 6 was a major factor in OKC’s loss. The Thunder need Williams to return to his versatile, aggressive for him, creating off the dribble, hitting open looks, and finishing at the rim. His efficiency and confidence will be a make-or-break element in a win-or-go-home scenario.
2. Denver’s Bench Emergence
Julian Strawther and Christian Braun changed the tone of Game 6. Strawther’s 15-second-half points and Braun’s playoff-career-high 23 gave Denver a second wind behind Jokic and Murray. If those two replicate even a fraction of that production, it could tilt Game 7. OKC’s bench, often young and inconsistent, must counter with energy and big play, whether it’s from Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, or Jaylin Williams.
3. Jamal Murray’s and Aaron Gordon’s Health
Murray was visibly under the weather in Game 6 but still dropped 25 points and set the tone early. His status remains crucial. If he’s fully recovered, his two-man game with Jokic looms large. Even at 80%, his shot-making and poise under pressure are elite. OKC must be aggressive in hunting him on defense and forcing him to expend energy on both ends. How will Gordon rebound from a hamstring and will he be available at all. Can you move at all on the court? His shots have impacted this series and OKC will gladly take advantage of his lack of mobility.
4. Thunder’s Resilience in Adversity
This is the first elimination game for this young Thunder core. They’ve only lost back-to-back games twice all season and have consistently responded to setbacks. Mark Daigneault has preached composure, and now they’ll need it in Denver’s hostile environment. OKC’s ability to take Denver’s early punch and counter it will define this game. Can this group of rising stars prove they’re ready? OKC has to survive the 4th quarter push that will be coming from the former champs.
5. Nikola Jokic’s Control of Tempo
As always, the game flows through Jokic. He nearly had a triple-double in Game 6 and punished OKC inside and out. But what’s just as important is how he controls the game’s rhythm. If he dictates pace, keeps the ball moving, and Denver limits turnovers, they become nearly impossible to beat at home. The Thunder’s best shot at disrupting him may be through doubling selectively and rotating quickly — easier said than done.
Bonus Stat:
The Nuggets haven’t had two full days off since April 29. Game 6 looked like a rejuvenation. Whether fatigue resurfaces in Game 7 could be a hidden X-factor.
Full Injury Report:
Denver Nuggets
Gordon, Aaron Questionable Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Strain
Holmes II, DaRon Out Injury/Illness – Right Achilles Tendon; Repair
Murray, Jamal Probable Injury/Illness – Illness; Illness
Tyson, Hunter Questionable Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain
Westbrook, Russell Probable Injury/Illness – Right Hand; Sprain
Oklahoma City Thunder
Topic, Nikola Out Injury/Illness – Left Knee; Surgery
Last Matchup
Despite battling illness, Jamal Murray scored 25 points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 on Thursday night, forcing a Game 7 in their Western Conference semifinal.
“Absolutely not,” Murray said when asked if sitting out was ever a possibility.
Nikola Jokic added 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Christian Braun scored a playoff career-high 23, and Julian Strawther added 15 — all in the second half — including key shots in a third-quarter run that broke the game open.
“Julian played huge,” Aaron Gordon said. “That wasn’t in their game plan.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, but Jalen Williams struggled, finishing with six on 3-of-16 shooting.
Gordon tweaked his hamstring but expects to play Sunday. Interim coach David Adelman praised his impact, calling him “the reason we’ve won games and series.”
The Thunder, who haven’t lost back-to-back games since early April, face their first elimination game of the postseason.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Playoff History2011 Western Conference First RoundSeries Result: Thunder won 4-1Overview:This was the first and (as of 2025) only playoff meeting between the two franchises.The Thunder, led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, were emerging as contenders.Denver had just traded Carmelo Anthony and was relying on a deeper, balanced team with players like Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, and Nene.Durant averaged 32.4 PPG in the series, including 41 points in the series-clinching Game 5.Other NotesSince 2011, the teams have not faced each other in the postseason, though they’ve had several intense regular-season matchups.Both teams have experienced major roster changes and rebuilds since then, and as of 2025, both are again contenders in the West.Looking Ahead
Western Conference Finals or Vacation Begins
Game Info
May 18, 2025, 2:30
Paycom Center, OKC
Watch: ABC, FanDuel Oklahoma
Odds
The Thunder are listed as 8.5-point favorites via FanDuel
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More Thunder Playoff coverage:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 25 points and leads Thunder past Denver 92-87 to tie series 2-2
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