In a resounding Game 7 showdown at Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed past the Denver Nuggets 125-93 to secure their spot in the Western Conference finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, while Jalen Williams added 24, setting the tone from the opening tip. The Thunder's balanced attack and defensive intensity forced 23 Nuggets turnovers, converting those mistakes into 37 points.
Denver's Nikola Jokic finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but couldn't overcome the livewire defense that created 16 steals. Interim coach David Adelman lamented that 'with 16 steals off live-ball turnovers – that's 37 points off your mistakes – you're not going to win a playoff game like that.'
Now, Oklahoma City turns its focus to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for a best-of-seven series kicking off Tuesday. Gilgeous-Alexander summed up the mood: 'Our ultimate goal isn't just the Western Conference finals – we've got to go through here to get there. We're ready for a great challenge.'
With momentum on their side and a ruthless offensive punch, the Thunder look to ride this wave as they chase an NBA Finals berth on the road to next month's championship.
Reference(s):
Thunder thrash Nuggets to set up West Finals clash with Timberwolves
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