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The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a decisive victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning 125-93 in Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, helping the Thunder overcome an early deficit and dominate the game from the second quarter onward. Jalen Williams contributed 24 points, further solidifying the Thunder's commanding performance.
The Thunder, who finished the regular season with a league-best record of 68-14, will face the Minnesota Timberwolves at home starting Tuesday (May 20). This marks Oklahoma City's first trip to the conference finals since 2016.
Despite a strong start, the Nuggets struggled to maintain their momentum. Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and provided seven assists. Aaron Gordon, playing through a strained left hamstring, added eight points and 11 rebounds. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman praised Gordon's determination, saying, "What he played with today, I don’t know many people that would even attempt to go out there and run up and down."
The Thunder's coach, Mark Daigneault, commended his team's ability to handle the pressure of a Game 7, stating, "To be able to focus through that and perform the way these guys did today was very impressive." The Thunder now aim to continue their successful postseason run as they prepare for the upcoming series against the Timberwolves.