Conflict leads to technical foul! Jokic records triple-double, Alexander scores 36 as Thunder edge Nuggets in overtime

On February 28, Beijing time, during the 25-26 NBA regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 127-121 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists, but was assessed a technical foul after an altercation with Luguentz Dort (who was ejected). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points.

Box Score

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 36 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks; Chet Holmgren 15 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists; Jalen Williams 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; Alex Caruso 12 points.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic 23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists; Jamal Murray 39 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists; Christian Braun 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists; Tim Hardaway Jr. 16 points.

Game Flow

Jokic opened the scoring with an and-one play. The Thunder quickly responded with an 11-4 run featuring drives and outside shots. Subsequently, Oklahoma City's offense went cold, allowing Denver to seize the opportunity. The Nuggets hit consecutive three-pointers and scored consistently via free throws and fast-break layups, unleashing a 20-2 surge to take control. Alexander's layup stopped the bleeding for the Thunder, but Hardaway Jr. hit back-to-back threes to extend Denver's lead. The first quarter ended with the Nuggets leading 33-19. In the second quarter, the Thunder gradually found their rhythm, hitting multiple threes during a 15-5 run to cut into the deficit. However, led by Jokic, Denver answered with a scoring burst to rebuild a double-digit advantage. Oklahoma City mounted another push late in the quarter, but the Nuggets held firm. At halftime, Denver led 59-50.

After the break, both teams traded baskets. The Nuggets couldn't extend their lead, nor could the Thunder close the gap significantly. When Murray drove for a layup, Denver led 70-62. Oklahoma City attempted another rally, but Denver stabilized quickly with Murray and Braun converting shots. The third quarter concluded with the Nuggets ahead 83-77. In the fourth, the Thunder started hot from beyond the arc with an 11-3 run. Later, Dort tripping Jokic sparked a confrontation involving Jaylin Williams. Officials ejected Dort and assessed technical fouls to Jokic and Williams. Denver responded with a scoring run to reclaim the lead. Although Caruso hit consecutive threes, Jokic's layup tied the game at 107-107. In the final seconds, multiple shot attempts missed, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, the Nuggets missed several shots, while the Thunder got a dunk from Wallace and a three-pointer from Joe. Hardaway Jr. and Jokic scored to keep Denver close, but Holmgren and Caruso answered for Oklahoma City. Murray made free throws, but Joe hit another three-pointer. Late in the period, Murray connected on consecutive threes for Denver, but the Thunder sealed the win from the free-throw line.

Starting Lineups

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, DaQuan Jeffries.