NBA Opening Week: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 34 as Thunder topple Nuggets 122-108
FINAL: Thunder 122, Nuggets 108. Gilgeous-Alexander puts on 34-point clinic as OKC outclasses Denver at Paycom Center.
FINAL: Thunder 122, Nuggets 108. SGA 34 pts, 8 ast; Holmgren 18 pts, 12 reb, 5 blk; Jokic 24 pts, 13 reb.
The Oklahoma City Thunder launched their 2026-27 campaign in scintillating style on Wednesday night, 28 October, securing a 122-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets before a sellout crowd at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was in sublime form from the opening tip, pouring in 34 points on 13-of-21 shooting while dishing out eight assists. Chet Holmgren anchored the paint with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, repeatedly denying Nikola Jokic at the rim. Despite Jokic's valiant triple-double bid of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, Denver could not overcome Oklahoma City's 18 fast-break points and suffocating fourth-quarter defense.
The stakes
Thunder open their season 1-0 with a dominant division victory; Nuggets begin the year 0-1.
The rivalry angle
Northwest Division heavyweights clash in an early measuring-stick contest for Western Conference supremacy.
Players who could decide it
Paced all scorers with 34 points and 8 assists in brilliant opening display.
Dominated defense with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 highlight blocks.
Rallied Denver with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in defeat.
Did you know?
- !Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 of his 34 points in the third quarter.
- !Chet Holmgren registered five blocked shots, matching his personal opening-week high.
- !OKC shot 52 percent from the floor and forced 16 Denver turnovers.
Head to head
Wednesday 28 October 2026. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City. Final: OKC 122, DEN 108.
Sources
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