Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder 112-105 Over Nuggets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Denver Nuggets 112-105, taking a 3-2 edge in their Western Conference semifinal series. Despite Nikola Jokic’s 44-point, 15-rebound performance, Denver fell short late in the game. The Thunder can clinch the series in Game 6 on Thursday.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 5 Quick Looks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting
- Oklahoma City leads the series 3-2 heading into Game 6
- Nikola Jokic delivers 44 points, 15 rebounds in losing effort
- Thunder’s Lu Dort nails clutch fourth-quarter threes
- Jalen Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander hit daggers late
- Denver shot just 10-of-27 from Jamal Murray
- Game 6 set for Thursday in Denver
- Thunder had six players in double figures
- Thunder rallied from 11-point second-quarter deficit
- Jokic’s heroics not enough to overcome late Thunder surge
Deep Look: Gilgeous-Alexander Shines as Thunder Rally Late to Stun Nuggets
OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another signature performance Tuesday night, scoring 31 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder take a 3-2 series lead over the defending champion Denver Nuggets with a 112-105 victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Despite a monster game from Nikola Jokic, who finished with 44 points and 15 rebounds, the Nuggets faltered in the final minutes, unable to contain a late surge from the young Thunder squad.
Thunder’s Clutch Moments Seal the Win
Gilgeous-Alexander shook off a slow start, finishing 12-of-23 from the field and leading six Oklahoma City players in double figures. But it was the fourth-quarter spark from Lu Dort and timely buckets from Jalen Williams that swung the game.
“Despite the pressure mounting, he got cooler,” head coach Mark Daigneault said of Gilgeous-Alexander. “He made the right plays and let the game tell him what to do.”
Dort, quiet through three quarters with just three points, caught fire late. In a crucial two-minute stretch, he knocked down three straight three-pointers, slicing Denver’s lead and fueling a 10-0 Thunder run.
Jokic Dominates, But Nuggets Fall Short
Jokic was unstoppable, shooting 17-of-25 from the floor and nearly carrying his team single-handedly. Jamal Murray added 28 points, but struggled with efficiency, making just 10 of 27 shots.
“It’s a heavy loss,” said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. “We had chances to close the gap and didn’t capitalize. That’s on us.”
Denver built an 11-point lead in the second quarter and entered the fourth up 86-78, but failed to extend the margin when it mattered most.
“It felt like every time we could stretch it, they’d respond in transition,” Adelman added.
Final Two Minutes: Ice in Their Veins
Tied at 103 after a fadeaway 3-pointer from Jokic, the Thunder took control:
- Jalen Williams hit a clutch triple with 1:18 left to put OKC ahead
- Gilgeous-Alexander drilled a deep three with 48 seconds remaining
- Thunder defense held strong to deny Denver any comeback attempt
“We executed as well as we have all playoffs down the stretch,” said Daigneault.
Key Stats
| Player | Points | FG | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 31 | 12-23 | 5 | 4 |
| Nikola Jokic (DEN) | 44 | 17-25 | 15 | 6 |
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 28 | 10-27 | 4 | 5 |
| Lu Dort (OKC) | 12 | 4-8 | 3 | 2 |
| Jalen Williams (OKC) | 17 | 7-13 | 4 | 3 |
What’s Next?
- Game 6: Thursday in Denver
- Thunder: One win away from the Western Conference Finals
- Nuggets: Must bounce back at home to force Game 7
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