LOS ANGELES, United States, 10 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass performance with 40 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder surged past the Denver Nuggets, securing a commanding 127-103 victory on Sunday.
In a highly anticipated Western Conference clash, the game remained finely balanced until Oklahoma City unleashed a fourth-quarter onslaught, outscoring Denver 41-20 to seal their seventh consecutive win.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading contender for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, proved instrumental in the Thunder’s dominant finish. The Canadian guard took charge in the closing stages, particularly after Denver had clawed back within a single point early in the fourth quarter, following an 11-point deficit in the third.
The 26-year-old star added nine points in the decisive quarter, marking his 11th 40-point game of the season and bringing Oklahoma City ever closer to securing their place in the postseason. The Thunder now hold an imposing 53-11 record, leading the Western Conference by 12 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We were able to get stops down the stretch and then just execute,” Gilgeous-Alexander reflected. “When teams are this good, it’s not always going to be pretty, but if you defend well and execute properly, you always give yourself a chance.”
Despite an off-night from beyond the arc—making only two of 11 three-point attempts—Gilgeous-Alexander remained relentless in his offensive approach, attacking the rim to maintain Oklahoma City’s scoring momentum.
“That’s where it all starts—easy baskets,” he told ESPN. “I didn’t hit as many shots as I wanted, but we got the win, so I don’t care.”
The matchup was billed as a showdown between MVP contenders, with Nikola Jokic entering the game on the back of a historic triple-double performance—31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists—in Friday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns. However, the Serbian centre struggled to impose himself in the same manner against Oklahoma City, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander played down the significance of individual accolades, emphasising team success above all. “I love MVPs, I love All-Stars, I love all the things that come with it, but none of it matters if you don’t win,” he stated. “That’s what I focus on.”
Jalen Williams provided crucial support for the Thunder with 26 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 14. On Denver’s side, Michael Porter Jr. matched Jokic’s tally with 24 points, but their efforts proved insufficient against the Thunder’s relentless offence.
Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak to 14
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their remarkable winning run to 14 games, securing a 112-100 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks. Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland benefited from a balanced team performance, with all five starters scoring in double figures, led by Max Strus with 17 points.
Having already clinched a playoff berth last week, the Cavaliers now hold an eight-game lead over the second-placed Boston Celtics, who recently defeated the Lakers in an impressive display.
“We haven’t accomplished anything yet,” cautioned star guard Donovan Mitchell. “The real challenge begins in April when we need to handle our business in the postseason.”
Suns Stay in Play-in Race
In Dallas, the Phoenix Suns bolstered their hopes of making the play-in tournament with a crucial 125-116 victory over the Mavericks. Devin Booker led the way with 24 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 21.
The result significantly impacts the Western Conference standings, with Dallas currently holding the final play-in spot at 32-33, while Phoenix sits just behind at 30-34.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves improved their record to 37-29 after dismantling the San Antonio Spurs 141-124, keeping pace with the Golden State Warriors in the race for a direct playoff berth. The Timberwolves remain seventh, just behind the sixth-placed Warriors (36-26).
Grizzlies Edge Pelicans in Thriller
In New Orleans, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane combined for 62 points as the Memphis Grizzlies staged a second-half comeback to edge past the Pelicans 107-104. Despite trailing by 14 points in the second quarter, Memphis tightened their defence and overturned the deficit to clinch a dramatic victory.
Context and Implications
With the playoffs fast approaching, Oklahoma City’s resounding win further cements their status as legitimate championship contenders. Their blend of young talent and disciplined execution has positioned them as a formidable force in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Denver will need to regroup as they seek to defend their NBA title, with Jokic facing increasing competition in the MVP race.
Elsewhere, the battle for postseason positioning intensifies in both conferences, with teams such as Phoenix and Dallas desperately vying to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, while Cleveland continues to assert its dominance in the East.