NBA: Thunder smother Nuggets as Williams and Holmgren step up

Oklahoma City did not need a big night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make a successful home opener. The Thunder beat Denver 96–84 on Thursday, 22 October in the United States, and now have two wins. Jalen Williams stepped up with 21 points, while Chet Holmgren made his presence felt near the basket with 12 points and 17 rebounds. For the Nuggets, who were playing their first regular-season game, an encouraging first half gave way to a flat offensive second half.

Denver lead but cannot pull clear

The Nuggets won the first quarter 27–24, then held a four-point lead at the break, 48–44. Aaron Gordon provided their most efficient offensive contribution and would finish with 20 points. But Denver never turned that edge on the scoreboard into a comfortable enough cushion. The struggles of their two main creators left the door open for a comeback.

Nikola Jokić was held to 13 points, making only 5 of 19 shots. Jamal Murray scored six points. Oklahoma City had shooting problems of their own: Gilgeous-Alexander did not make a single basket in the first two quarters. The half-time score therefore reflected a defensive battle more than a controlled offensive exchange.

Thunder change gear before the final quarter

The turning point came in the second half of the third quarter. A basket from Ajay Mitchell put the Thunder back in front, 64–62. Oklahoma City then closed the period with a six-point lead, 70–64, after winning it 26–16. Holmgren's work in the paint and contributions from several players got them over that line without waiting for Gilgeous-Alexander to rediscover his touch.

Holmgren's block on a Christian Braun dunk attempt in particular illustrated the Thunder's resistance around the rim. The difference was no longer just a question of shooting: Denver had to work for every chance and found fewer solutions when their first option was shut down. At the other end, Oklahoma City moved the ball well enough to take control.

Gilgeous-Alexander chips in late, Williams holds firm

The final quarter again went the way of the hosts, 26–20. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 17 points, making 6 of 19 shots. His run of 141 consecutive regular-season games with at least 20 points is over, but that individual statistic does not sum up his team's night. The Thunder won the last two quarters and took the second half 52–36.

Williams was the game's top scorer with his 21 points. Holmgren delivered a valuable double-double to control the boards and protect the paint. That shared load allowed Oklahoma City to follow up their opening win over San Antonio, despite a less fluid offensive display.

For Denver, Gordon finished ahead of Jokić and DeMar DeRozan, who both scored 13 points. The final total of 84 points mainly shows the Nuggets' difficulty in sustaining their attack for forty-eight minutes. Their defence had given them a chance; their output after the break took it away.

The Nuggets host New Orleans on Saturday, 24 October in the United States for their first home game. Oklahoma City welcome the Clippers on Sunday, 25 October. Those upcoming fixtures will give Denver the chance to look for greater consistency and the Thunder the opportunity to confirm their ability to win in different ways.

Denver–Oklahoma City: SNA score, stats and match sheet

NBA video: the Denver–Oklahoma City highlights start at 3:19 in the official recap of the night.