Oklahoma City Thunder handed heaviest defeat to Denver Nuggets at the NBA clash.

Posted 4 months ago

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, 17 in the decisive third quarter, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame another efficient shooting game from Nikola Jokic to beat the Denver Nuggets by 119-93 in a thrilling NBA clash.

Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 points or more for the fifth time this season and was four shy of his career-best set last season. He was 14 of 20 from the field and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts.

Oklahoma City, which last reached the playoffs in the 2019-20 season, is now 21-9 and percentage points ahead of Denver for second place in the Northwest Division.

Chet Holmgren added 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting for the Thunder, who outscored Denver by a 34-20 margin in the third quarter to turn a six-point half-time lead into a commanding 88-68 advantage.

The Nuggets had a six-game winning streak halted despite another efficient outing from Nikola Jokic, who made 9 of 10 field goal attempts while compiling 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Jokic's primary teammates were off the mark, however. Jamal Murray missed 11 of 15 field goal attempts while being held to nine points, while Michael Porter Jr. was 4 of 12 and ended with 12 points.