Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Broadcast: TNT
Matchup Overview
The Denver Nuggets (1-0) and Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) face off in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals matchup. Denver pulled off a stunning 121-119 comeback victory in Game 1, erasing a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit behind Nikola Jokic’s 42-point, 22-rebound performance.
Oklahoma City, the top seed in the West, will look to bounce back after Chet Holmgren’s crucial missed free throws and Denver’s dominance on the offensive glass sealed their fate in Game 1.
Key Storylines
1. Can Oklahoma City Close Out Games?
The Thunder led for most of Game 1 but faltered in the final minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points) was brilliant, but OKC’s 20-of-28 free throw shooting proved costly. Expect a more aggressive approach in crunch time.
2. Denver’s Offensive Rebounding Advantage
The Nuggets grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, leading to 27 second-chance points. Aaron Gordon (7 offensive boards) was a key factor. If OKC doesn’t improve its rebounding, Denver could control the pace again.
3. Jamal Murray vs. OKC’s Elite Defenders
Murray struggled at times in Game 1, finishing with 21 points on 8-of-19 shooting. With Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso defending him, Denver will need Murray to step up alongside Jokic.
4. MVP Battle – Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
Jokic and SGA are expected to finish 1-2 in MVP voting this season. This series could be a defining moment for both stars.
Projected Starting Lineups
Denver Nuggets
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SG: Christian Braun
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokic
Oklahoma City Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Jalen Williams
- SF: Lu Dort
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 230
Oklahoma City Thunder – 11
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 6, 2025
