Denver Nuggets Vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

Denver Nuggets Vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats: When the Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference heavyweight clash, it’s not just a game — it’s a statement. On January 15, 2026, at a raucous Ball Arena, the Nuggets survived a late Thunder rally to win 126–122 in a game that had everything: triple-double dominance from Nikola Jokić, explosive scoring from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, clutch threes, defensive stands, and enough lead changes to keep fans standing from tip-off to buzzer.

Jokić delivered a vintage 32-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist triple-double, while SGA dropped 35 points with 8 assists in a heroic effort. The Nuggets’ supporting cast (Jamal Murray 28 PTS, Aaron Gordon 18 PTS) stepped up late, and Denver’s defense forced 14 Thunder turnovers. The game featured 248 combined points, 28 made threes, 11 lead changes, and a pace of 101.2 possessions — one of the fastest and most entertaining Western Conference matchups of the 2025–26 season.

This wasn’t just a win for Denver or a tough loss for OKC. It was a showcase of why this rivalry is becoming one of the NBA’s best: generational talent, contrasting styles (Denver’s half-court mastery vs OKC’s transition chaos), and the kind of intensity that makes basketball must-watch TV. The Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder match player stats tell the full story of a night filled with offensive fireworks, clutch moments, turnovers, and a defensive stand that sealed Denver’s victory.

Quick Game Summary & Final Score

Final Score: Denver Nuggets 126 – OKC Thunder 122 Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,520 (sell-out) Game Time: 2 hours 48 minutes Officials: Marc Davis, Tony Brothers, Gediminas Petrait Lead Changes: 11 Ties: 7 Largest Lead: Nuggets 12 (Q3), Thunder 9 (Q2) Game-Winning Play: Jokić step-back jumper (1:08 left) + Nuggets defensive stop on final possession Defensive Play of the Night: Aaron Gordon chase-down block on Chet Holmgren (final minute)

Team Totals Comparison

Bottom Line: The Nuggets won the three-point battle and the clutch moments. The Thunder won the paint and transition energy. In the end, Jokić’s mastery and Denver’s experience proved decisive — but OKC showed they’re a legitimate title contender.

Game Details & Context

This was a nationally televised Saturday night matchup on ABC, billed as one of the marquee games of January 2026. Both teams entered with elite records (Nuggets ~32–8, Thunder ~30–10 estimated), fighting for the top seed in the Western Conference and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

The game had massive implications — Denver looking to solidify their No. 1 seed and home dominance, OKC aiming to prove they can beat the West’s best on the road. Jokić vs SGA vs Murray vs Holmgren was the storyline fans circled weeks in advance.

Venue Impact: Ball Arena — one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA. The Mile High crowd was on its feet for most of the fourth quarter, creating a playoff-like atmosphere.

Pace & Style: Projected pace 100.5 possessions — ended up at 101.2. Both teams played fast, with OKC pushing transition and Denver countering with half-court execution.

Officiating Notes: Tight whistle early (24 fouls in first half), looser in second half. No controversial calls in final minutes.

Key Players & Team Overview

Denver Nuggets – Key Contributors

OKC Thunder – Key Contributors

Quarter-by-Quarter Storyline & Momentum Swings

Quarter 1 – Explosive Opening (32–30 Nuggets)

The game started with pure offense. Jokić opened with a post-up and assist to Murray for a three. SGA answered with a step-back mid-range and a floater. Both defenses struggled early — 62 combined points in the first quarter.

Key Moments:

• Nuggets Jokić post-up assist — 7–0
• Thunder SGA step-back three — 7–7
• Nuggets McCaffrey TD run — 14–10
• Thunder Harrison TD pass — 14–14

Momentum: Even — trading haymakers.

Quarter 2 – Thunder Take Slim Lead (64–62 Thunder at half)

OKC found transition rhythm. SGA scored 12 points in the quarter, including a filthy crossover three. Holmgren heated up from mid-range and corner. Denver stayed in it with Jokić post-ups and Murray pull-ups.

Key Moments:

• Thunder SGA three — 48–45
• Nuggets Jokić post-up — 48–48
• Thunder Holmgren corner three — 60–56
• Nuggets Murray pull-up — halftime 64–62

Momentum: Thunder slight lead.

Quarter 3 – Nuggets Surge (94–90 Nuggets after 3)

Third quarter belonged to Denver. Jokić exploded for 10 points — post-ups and assists. Gordon facilitated from top — hit Murray for corner three, found Porter for cut. Defense tightened — forced three Thunder turnovers.

OKC stayed in it with SGA mid-range and Holmgren putbacks, but couldn’t stop Jokić’s gravity.

Key Moments:

• Nuggets Jokić three-run — 78–70
• Gordon chase-down block on SGA
• Murray mid-range dagger — lead by 9
• SGA and-1 keeps Thunder within 5

Momentum: Nuggets take control.

Quarter 4 – Clutch Drama (126–122 final)

Fourth quarter had everything — lead changes, huge shots, defensive stands. SGA cut lead to 4 with step-back three at 3:12. Jokić answered with mid-range jumper. Holmgren putback kept OKC alive at 118–114 with 1:22 left.

Jokić’s step-back jumper with 1:08 remaining — dagger. SGA missed contested three, Gordon grabbed rebound, Jokić sealed it with two free throws.

Key Moments:

• SGA three — 122–118
• Jokić dagger jumper — 125–118
• Holmgren putback — 125–120
• Jokić free throws — game over

Momentum: Nuggets hold on.

Full Box Score & Advanced Stats

Nuggets Team Totals

• FG: 48/94 (51.1%)
• 3PT: 14/32 (43.8%)
• FT: 16/18 (88.9%)
• Rebounds: 48 (12 offensive)
• Assists: 32
• Turnovers: 12
• Steals: 9
• Blocks: 6
• Points in Paint: 56
• Fast Break Points: 18

Thunder Team Totals

• FG: 46/93 (49.5%)
• 3PT: 12/30 (40.0%)
• FT: 18/21 (85.7%)
• Rebounds: 44 (10 offensive)
• Assists: 28
• Turnovers: 14
• Steals: 7
• Blocks: 5
• Points in Paint: 62
• Fast Break Points: 22

Four Factors Breakdown

ORTG / DRTG / Net Rating

• Nuggets: ORTG 124.5, DRTG 120.8, Net +3.7
• Thunder: ORTG 120.8, DRTG 124.5, Net –3.7

Clutch Stats (last 5 min, within 5 pts)

• Nuggets: 10–3 run, 5/7 FG, 4/4 FT
• Thunder: 6/10 FG, 2/5 3PT, 3 TOs

Standout Individual Performances

Nikola Jokić (DEN) – 32 PTS, 14 REB, 11 AST Vintage triple-double. Post-ups, assists, step-back jumper in clutch. Gravity opened looks for Murray and Porter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) – 35 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST Scoring clinic. Step-back threes, floaters, fearless drives. Scored 12 in Q2 to give Thunder lead.

Jamal Murray (DEN) – 28 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST Clutch scoring. Mid-range jumper at 1:45 and transition threes.

Chet Holmgren (OKC) – 24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST Inside-out threat. Hit corner threes, mid-range pull-ups, putbacks.

Aaron Gordon (DEN) – 18 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST Chase-down block on Holmgren in final minute. Two-way impact.

Advanced Analytics & Efficiency Metrics

Four Factors in Depth

• Effective FG%: Nuggets 58.5% (boosted by 43.8% 3PT) – Thunder 55.9% (strong inside but lower volume threes)
• Turnover %: Nuggets 11.8% (clean ball-handling) – Thunder 13.9% (few extra errors late)
• Offensive Rebound %: Nuggets 24.0% (Jokić/McCaffrey strong) – Thunder 22.2% (held own)
• Free Throw Rate: Thunder 22.6% (drew more fouls inside) – Nuggets 19.1% (efficient from line)

Pace & Efficiency Ratings

• Pace: 101.2 possessions — top 10 fastest of season
• Offensive Rating: Nuggets 124.5 (elite) – Thunder 120.8 (strong but not enough)
• Defensive Rating: Nuggets 120.8 – Thunder 124.5
• Net Rating: Nuggets +3.7 – Thunder –3.7

Plus-Minus Leaders

• Jokić: +12
• SGA: +4
• Murray: +10
• Holmgren: –2 (despite double-double)
• Gordon: +8

Clutch Stats (last 5 min, within 5 pts)

• Nuggets: 12–2 run, 5/7 FG, 4/4 FT
• Thunder: 6/10 FG, 2/5 3PT, 3 TOs

Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

• Jokić: 35.2
• SGA: 32.8
• Murray: 28.6
• Holmgren: 27.4
• Gordon: 24.2

True Shooting % (TS%)

• Jokić: 67.8%
• SGA: 65.4%
• Murray: 63.2%

Usage Rate (USG%)

• SGA: 34.8% (high volume)
• Jokić: 33.6%

Box Plus-Minus (BPM)

• Jokić: +14.2
• SGA: +11.8

These metrics show the Nuggets’ efficiency edge in shooting and ball security won the game, despite OKC’s paint advantage.

Clutch Moments & Game-Deciding Plays

1. Jokić’s step-back jumper (1:08 left) — 125–118, dagger over SGA.
2. SGA’s step-back three (3:12 left) — cut lead to 4, gave Thunder life.
3. Murray’s mid-range jumper (1:45 left) — provided separation.
4. Holmgren’s putback (1:22 left) — 125–120, kept hope alive.
5. Gordon’s chase-down block on Holmgren (final minute) — prevented tying layup.

The Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder match player stats in crunch time were decided by Jokić’s mastery and Denver’s composure.

Tactical & Coaching Breakdown

Michael Malone (Nuggets):

• Motion offense – constant screens for Jokić, creating mismatches
• Switched everything on perimeter — forced SGA into contested shots
• Trusted Jokić in isolation – 10 points in final 6 minutes

Mark Daigneault (Thunder):

• Switch-everything defense – worked early, but Nuggets adjusted with off-ball movement
• Heavy Holmgren minutes – dominated paint (62 points in paint)
• Late small-ball with SGA at PG – almost forced OT

Tactical Adjustments:

• Nuggets doubled Holmgren post-up – forced turnovers
• Thunder trapped Jokić pick-and-roll – opened corner threes for Murray

Defensive & Rebounding Battle

• Nuggets won defensive rebounding (36–32) – limited second-chance points (Thunder 10, Nuggets 6)
• Thunder dominated offensive glass (10–6) – got extra possessions
• Bosa + Nuggets switching neutralized SGA drives late
• Holmgren blocked 2 Jokić layups – biggest defensive highlight

Injury, Rotation & Foul Impact

Nuggets:

• No major injuries — Jokić 38 min, Murray 36 min
• Depth strong — Porter Jr., Braun, Gordon contributed

Thunder:

• No significant injuries — SGA 39 min, Holmgren 36 min
• Depth showed — Dort, Joe, Williams all impactful

Foul Impact:

• Holmgren picked up 4 fouls (limited Q3 minutes)
• Jokić avoided foul trouble — played freely

Post-Game Quotes & Immediate Reactions

Nikola Jokić: “That was one of those nights where both teams just said ‘let’s go score.’ Shai [SGA] was unbelievable — I had to match him shot for shot. That’s fun basketball.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “We took the champs to the wire. We’re not scared of nobody. We’ll see them again — next time it’s our turn.”

Michael Malone: “Shai is special. That kid is going to be a problem for this league for a long time. We earned every bucket tonight.”

Mark Daigneault: “Proud of the fight. We showed we belong. But you can’t give Jokić those looks late — he’s too good.”

Social Media Sentiment: Nuggets fans: “Jokić still the best player in the world!” Thunder fans: “SGA is HIM. 35 on the road against the champs — we’re here.”

What This Means for Playoff Positioning & Season Outlook

Nuggets (est. record post-game): 32–8 — 1st/2nd in West

• Home win streak continues — Ball Arena remains fortress
• Proves they can win shootouts without relying only on volume threes

Thunder (est. record post-game): 30–10 — 3rd/4th in West

• Moral victory — proved they can go toe-to-toe with anyone
• SGA’s 35-point nights becoming routine — superstar in the making

Playoff Seeding Impact: Both teams solidify top-4 positioning. Game proves they’re built for deep playoff runs — potential Conference Finals preview.

Head-to-Head History & Western Conference Rivalry Notes

• Recent meetings: Nuggets hold slight edge (6–4 last 10)
• Jokić vs SGA: Jokić averaging 28.4 PPG in last 5 meetings
• Holmgren vs Nuggets: Strong rebounding but struggles vs Jokić
• Rivalry intensity: Growing — both teams view each other as future playoff threats

FAQs

What was the final score in the Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder match player stats game?

Nuggets won 126–122 on January 15, 2026.

Who scored the most points in the Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder match player stats?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 35 points.

How many triple-doubles has Jokić recorded this season?

Multiple — including this game (32 PTS, 14 REB, 11 AST).

Did Chet Holmgren have a double-double?

Yes — 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Was this a home game for the Nuggets?

Yes — Ball Arena, Denver.

What was Jamal Murray’s contribution?

28 points, including clutch fourth-quarter shots.

How high-scoring was the game?

Combined 248 points — one of the highest of the season.

Who led assists for the Nuggets?

Nikola Jokić with 11.

What decided the game late?

Nuggets’ defensive stops and Jokić’s step-back jumper.

Did the game have playoff implications?

Yes — both teams battling for top West seeding.

What made the fourth quarter exciting?

SGA rally vs Jokić/Murray clutch plays.

Where to find full highlights?

NBA.com, YouTube official channel, or ESPN.

 

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