It’s Game 6 in the West semi-finals on Friday when the Thunder will look to close out the Nuggets on the road. Here is a preview of the massive Game 6 clash.<\/p>\n
The Thunder are just one win away from closing out the series, holding a 3-2 lead after a solid 112-105 victory in Game 5. Oklahoma City looked composed and confident on their home floor, and they\u2019ve now won three of the last four games in the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again the difference-maker, putting up 31 points on 52.2% shooting, along with 7 assists and 6 rebounds. He\u2019s averaging 30.4 points per game in the playoffs and continues to be a matchup nightmare for Denver\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n
Jalen Williams added 18 points, 9 boards, and 4 assists, though he had an off night shooting at just 35.7% from the floor. Still, his defensive work and energy on the glass gave OKC a big boost. Chet Holmgren, while not stuffing the stat sheet, added valuable rim protection with 3 blocks and altered several shots in the paint.<\/p>\n
OKC\u2019s depth continues to show \u2014 they had five players in double figures in Game 5 and shot 47.2% as a team. Their ball movement was crisp, tallying 25 assists on 41 made baskets. On defence, they held Denver to just 9-of-28 shooting from three (32.1%).<\/p>\n
As the No. 1 seed in the West, OKC has lived up to expectations. They\u2019re 6-4 in their last 10 road games and boast the second-best defensive rating in the playoffs so far. If they can keep up the pace and defensive intensity, they have a real shot at finishing this in six.<\/p>\n
The Nuggets are in must-win territory after dropping Game 5, and despite the loss, Nikola Joki\u0107 put on an absolute masterclass. The reigning MVP racked up 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists on a blistering 68% shooting clip. He dominated the paint and midrange, scoring at will against multiple defenders. In the series, Joki\u0107 is averaging 34.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game \u2014 monster numbers that show just how much he\u2019s carrying this team.<\/p>\n
Jamal Murray chipped in 28 points, but his inefficiency (37% FG) and occasional defensive lapses hurt Denver down the stretch. Outside of the dynamic duo, though, the supporting cast continues to struggle. Michael Porter Jr. scored just 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting and was a -11 in plus-minus. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combined for just 11 points and had trouble staying in front of OKC\u2019s guards.<\/p>\n
Denver\u2019s biggest issue in Game 5 was perimeter shooting. They made just 9 of their 28 attempts from deep and didn\u2019t get much production off the bench. As a team, they committed 14 turnovers, several of which led to easy transition points for OKC.<\/p>\n
However, returning home could be the remedy. The Nuggets are 7-3 in their last 10 at Ball Arena and have covered the spread in 6 of those games. They also went 33-8 at home during the regular season \u2014 one of the best home records in the league. If they can tighten up defensively and get more from their role players, this series could easily head to a Game 7.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Denver are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Oklahoma City have won 6 of their last 10 in Denver.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Thunder lead this series 3-2 and hold a 6-4 record in the last 10.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n I think the Nuggets can force a game 7 by playing better on their home court. They have covered the line in 4 of their last 5 at home. OKC are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 and 1-5 ATS vs Nuggets.<\/p>\n