Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 Things to Look for in Game 5
The Western Conference semifinal series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder has reached a crucial juncture, with the series tied 2-2. According to the NBA, the Thunder have managed to grind out a crucial win on the road in Denver and are well-positioned heading into Game 5.
This series has been marked by intense competition, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The fourth quarters of Games 1, 3, and 4 have been particularly decisive, with both teams experiencing moments of triumph and heartbreak. As the series shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 5, several key factors will determine the outcome.
1. A Desperate Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ star player, has been carrying his team throughout the series, but his energy levels appear to be dwindling. As reported by the NBA, Jokić has been playing 40-plus minutes a night, and his exhaustion is evident in his recent performances. In the last three games, he has 15 assists to 16 turnovers and is shooting 33.3% overall and 18.2% on 3-pointers.
"I need to do a better job, of course," Jokić said, as quoted by the NBA. "They’re shrinking the floor on me."
2. More 3-Point Gold from Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon has been a revelation for the Denver Nuggets, transforming from a generational dunker to a reliable 3-point shooter. As per the NBA, Gordon is shooting 43.6% on 3-pointers in the regular season and 41.3% in the postseason. His ability to stretch the floor and make Oklahoma City pay for doubling on Jokić will be crucial over the next few games.
"A lot of repetition, a lot of form shooting and free-throw work," Gordon said, explaining his improvement, as reported by the NBA.
3. A Canadian Showdown
The series also features a compelling matchup between two Canadian guards, Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As noted by the NBA, both players have gone hot and cold, with their teams flourishing or failing depending on their performances. A Western Conference Finals berth could rest on which of these Toronto-area guards is better.
"He’s obviously a great player and very difficult to defend," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman, as quoted by the NBA. "He keeps you on alert at all times."
4. Will Jalen Williams Bounce Back?
Jalen Williams has been instrumental for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but his performances have been inconsistent in this series. As reported by the NBA, Williams shot 5-for-20 in Game 1, was the best player on the floor in Game 3, and then disappeared in Game 4. His presence in Game 5 will be crucial, especially since this series has gone unevenly for him.
When Williams is active and producing at both ends, he’s the perfect match with Gilgeous-Alexander and makes OKC difficult to beat, according to the NBA. Should the Thunder get that combo back on the same page, coupled with Game 5 at home, that’s a problem for the Nuggets … and maybe one that can’t be overcome.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery. Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years and can be contacted via email or followed on X.
