OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dramatic game-winning 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The win, fueled by a captivating duel with Nikola Jokic, further solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander’s case for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. The Thunder improved to 51-15 on the season, even as the Nuggets fell to 39-26.
The game, a tightly contested affair throughout, saw both stars trading blows in the final minute. Jokic, who finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists – his 24th triple-double of the season, and 188th of his career – scored eight points in the closing stages. A crucial four-point play, followed by a free throw from Jamal Murray, tied the game at 126 before Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics. [1]
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Record-Breaking Night
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points, a career-high 15 assists, and nine rebounds, becoming only the second player in NBA history to achieve those totals with zero turnovers. More significantly, he tied Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record for consecutive 20-point games, reaching the mark for the 126th straight contest. [1, 2] He can break the record when the Thunder host the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Frenetic Finish in Oklahoma City
The final minute was a whirlwind of activity. After Jokic’s go-ahead points, Jaylin Williams was called for an off-ball foul while fighting through a screen, sending Murray to the line. Gilgeous-Alexander then responded with his second 3-pointer of the final 14 seconds, silencing the Denver comeback attempt. Aaron Gordon’s desperation heave from 61 feet at the buzzer fell short. [2]
Thunder Overcome Injury Concerns
Oklahoma City secured the victory despite being without several key players. Starters Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (bruised left calf), and Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring) were all sidelined, along with key reserve Alex Caruso (bruised left hip). Jaylin Williams stepped up with 29 points, while Ajay Mitchell, returning from a 20-game absence due to abdominal strain and a sprained left ankle, added 24 points. [2]
Dort Ejection Adds Fuel to the Fire
The game also featured a moment of tension when Thunder forward Lu Dort was ejected after committing a flagrant 1 foul on Jokic with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Dort caught Jokic in the face while swinging his arm around a screen. [1, 4]
Jokic’s Dominant Performance Not Enough
Despite Jokic’s impressive stat line, the Nuggets couldn’t overcome Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance and the Thunder’s resilience. Tim Hardaway Jr. Contributed 28 points and Gordon added 23 points and 10 rebounds for Denver, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win on the road. [2]
What’s Next for the Thunder and Nuggets
The Thunder (51-15) will look to continue their winning streak when they face the Boston Celtics on Thursday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Nuggets (39-26) will return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. [2]
The victory for Oklahoma City further intensifies the MVP conversation between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, showcasing the rising dominance of the Thunder and the continued excellence of the Nuggets. The league standings continue to tighten as teams battle for playoff positioning.
