This isn’t about kicking up a fuss over losing on the court to the Oklahoma City Thunder – of course not! – but it is clear that the 2026-27 Denver Nuggets are too similar to last season’s side for anyone to expect anything different on the court.
The first test followed a familiar pattern, with Denver practically shut down by OKC’s defence. Despite dominating the first half and going into the break ahead on the scoreboard (48-44), their lack of fluidity at both ends of the court ultimately cost them. When games are played at high intensity, the Thunder tend to come out on top (96-84 final).
You could almost argue the game had a playoff feel to it. Both teams shot 38 per cent from the field, and there were as many as 45 fouls. Plenty of parity, but one big difference: turnovers. Oklahoma City committed just 12, compared to Denver’s 22.
Denver, without Jokic there’s no paradise
Speaking of the Western Conference on our weekly podcast, Denver obviously came up, and the widespread feeling was that we were facing more of the same. In that scenario, it’s clear they depend enormously on Nikola Jokic putting in one outstanding performance after another. Well, last night he didn’t bring that touch of talent.
Far from his usual numbers, the Serbian finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, all on a painful 5-of-19 from the field. Aaron Gordon answered such problems with 20 points, but Jamal Murray did not, managing just 6 points (2-of-11) and 6 turnovers.
Shai, also quiet
One of the things highlighted in recent years about the Thunder is that they can beat you in many ways. Last night they had to call on their ‘darker’ side with a more mortal Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 17 points on 6-of-19 from the field.
The big difference from what Denver experienced is that in this case the supporting cast really stepped up. Jalen Williams finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds. Result: two games, two wins to kick off the road to another 60-win season.
(Photograph by IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)