Gilgeous-Alexander’s Late Heroics Lift Thunder Over Nuggets in MVP Duel
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clutch step-back three-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The win marked the Thunder’s sixth consecutive victory and further solidifies their position atop the Western Conference standings. The game, a potential preview of a playoff series, was a back-and-forth affair that came down to the wire, showcasing the brilliance of two of the NBA’s leading MVP candidates: Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić.
The Thunder overcame an early 13-point deficit, rallying to take a 12-point lead of their own before the Nuggets mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes. With 8.5 seconds left, Jokić connected on a three-pointer to tie the game at 126, but a foul called on Jaylin Williams during the play sent Jamal Murray to the free-throw line, where he converted to briefly give Denver the lead. Gilgeous-Alexander, however, responded immediately, sinking his second three-pointer in a matter of seconds to secure the win for Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander Flirts with Triple-Double, Continues Historic Streak
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night with 35 points, a career-high 15 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. Remarkably, he did so without committing a single turnover. The performance also allowed him to extend his streak of consecutive 20-point games to 126, tying Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record set between 1961 and 1963. The Thunder guard is proving himself to be one of the most dynamic and efficient offensive players in the league, consistently elevating his game and leading his team to victory.
Jokić, the 2021, 2022, and 2024 MVP, was equally impressive for the Nuggets, recording his 24th triple-double of the season with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. The Serbian center continues to be a dominant force, orchestrating the Nuggets’ offense and impacting the game in multiple ways. However, even Jokić’s stellar performance wasn’t enough to overcome Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics and the Thunder’s overall team effort.
Supporting Cast Steps Up for Both Teams
Beyond the star power of Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić, several other players made significant contributions. Jaylin Williams added 29 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, while Ajay Mitchell, returning from a 20-game absence due to injury, chipped in with 24 points. Tim Hardaway Jr. Scored 28 points for the Nuggets, and Aaron Gordon contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds. The depth of both teams was on display, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded roster in the competitive NBA landscape.
The Thunder were playing without several key starters, including Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (bruised left calf), and Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring), as well as reserve Alex Caruso (bruised left hip). Despite these absences, Oklahoma City demonstrated resilience and depth, proving their ability to win even when facing adversity.
Nuggets Fall Short Despite Late Rally
Denver’s late rally fell just short, as Aaron Gordon’s desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer missed its mark. The Nuggets, coming off a lopsided loss to the New York Knicks, struggled to contain Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s explosive offense. While Jokić’s brilliance kept them in the game, Denver ultimately couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and clutch shooting.
The game was a physical and intense affair, with both teams battling for every possession. The atmosphere inside Paycom Center was electric, as fans witnessed a thrilling contest between two of the league’s top teams. The victory for the Thunder sends a clear message to the rest of the league: they are a legitimate contender for the NBA championship.
JOKIĆ AND SHAI DELIVER AN ENDING FOR THE AGES 🚨
Thunder top Nuggets in a GAME-OF-THE-YEAR contender 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Xjs7jfGyu9
— NBA (@NBA) March 10, 2026
Warriors Suffer Fourth Loss in Five Games, Clippers Climb
In other NBA action on Monday, the Golden State Warriors suffered a 119-116 loss to the Utah Jazz, despite a late rally without key players including Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porziņģis, and others. De’Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 22 points, while Brice Sensabaugh scored 21 for the Jazz and Kyle Filipowski recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New York Knicks 126-118, securing their fifth win in six games and moving into a tie with the Warriors for ninth place in the Western Conference. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 35 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for the Knicks.
NBA Results
| Spēle | Rezultāts | ESPN labākie |
|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers – 76ers | 115:101 | Hārdens 21p – Graimzs 17p |
| Nets – Grizzlies | 126:115 | Šārps 19p – Ripērs 20p 8ab |
| Thunder – Nuggets | 129:126 | Gildžess-Aleksandrs 35p 15rp 9ab – Jokičs 32p 14ab 13rp |
| Jazz – Warriors | 119:116 | Filipovskis 19p 15ab – Meltons 22p 7ab |
| Clippers – Knicks | 126:118 | Lenards 29p 8rp 7ab – Taunss 35p 12ab 7rp |
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Source: ESPN
The Thunder will next face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, March 12th, at 8:00 PM CT in Oklahoma City. The Nuggets will return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, March 12th, at 9:00 PM CT. Fans can follow the latest updates and analysis on Archysport.com.
