Key Takeaways

• Final score and context: Oklahoma City defeated Denver 96-84, improving to 2-0 after opening-night win against the Nuggets.
• SGA’s milestone streak ended: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not reach 20 points, ending a 141-game run of 20+ point games, with his scoring delayed until the fourth quarter.
• Jokic struggled: Nikola Jokić shot 5-for-19, contributing to a quieter offensive night for Denver as a whole.
• Defensive impact: Chet Holmgren’s presence in the paint helped slow Denver’s frontcourt, constraining Jokic and the Nuggets’ interior scoring.
• Team shooting and turnovers: OKC shot 38% from the field and 26% from three; Denver also 38% overall with 27% from deep and committed 22 turnovers, hampering their offensive flow.
• Role players stepped up: Jalen Williams carried much of the scoring load for OKC, providing a focal point when SGA struggled early.
• Outlook: Both teams are still adjusting to the new season as they prepare for a rematch later in the year, with each aiming to stabilize offense and sharpen defense.