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The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to host the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals tonight at the Paycom Center. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, while the Nuggets advanced after a decisive 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, will face off against Denver's star player, Nikola Jokic. Both players are finalists for the MVP award, and the winner may be announced during this series. Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, along with Denver's Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, are also key players to watch.
The Thunder, who had the league's best regular-season record at 68-14, will need to overcome the experienced Nuggets, who won the NBA championship in 2023. Thunder reserve guard Alex Caruso acknowledged the challenge, saying, "They have championship-caliber players, Hall of Fame players."
Denver's interim coach, David Adelman, is guiding the team after the firing of Michael Malone. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault noted that while the Nuggets' recent series against the Clippers provides some insights, this series will unfold in its own way.
Game 1 tips off at 8:30 p.m. local time, and the series will follow a best-of-seven format.