The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the 2024–25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, securing a dominant 125–93 victory to punch their ticket to the Conference Finals. With the series win (4–3), the Thunder continue their impressive playoff run and now turn their attention to the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves.
Oklahoma City took control early and never looked back. While expectations were high for a tightly contested showdown—especially given the MVP-level seasons from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic—it was the Thunder who delivered a statement performance on both ends of the floor.
With Aaron Gordon playing through injury and Christian Braun providing an early spark, Denver jumped out to a 21–10 lead midway through the first quarter. OKC initially struggled with perimeter shooting and foul trouble. But once the nerves settled, the Thunder roared back. Jalen Williams snapped out of his shooting slump and helped flip a 42–41 edge into a 60–46 halftime lead. The second half opened with a 9–0 Thunder run, and the game quickly slipped out of Denver’s reach.
The Thunder were led by a sensational performance from Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 35 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals—another outing that strengthens his MVP candidacy. Jokic did what he could with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, but lacked consistent support. The Nuggets couldn’t match OKC’s energy or shot-making down the stretch.
Oklahoma City’s defense was relentless, forcing 23 Denver turnovers and holding them to just 39.3% shooting from the field. Gordon added eight points and 11 rebounds in limited minutes, while Braun chipped in 19 points. However, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were both non-factors, struggling to find any rhythm against the Thunder’s suffocating perimeter defense.
The Western Conference Finals are now set, with OKC preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota has earned the “giant killer” label in these playoffs, having knocked out the Los Angeles Lakers (led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić) and the Golden State Warriors (featuring Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler).
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET. On the other side of the bracket, the Eastern Conference Finals will feature the Indiana Pacers squaring off against the New York Knicks. With both matchups set, the road to the NBA Finals is officially underway.