The Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets match player stats tell the story of a dominant road performance as the Thunder cruised to a 121-111 victory at Ball Arena on February 1, 2026. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points while Cason Wallace exploded for a career-high 27 points, leading the defending champions to their 39th win of the season.
Table of contents
- Thunder vs Nuggets Final Score and Top Performers
- Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats
- Denver Nuggets Player Stats
- Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- Team Shooting Statistics
- Injury Report Impact
- Key Matchup: SGA vs Jokic
- Playoff Rematch Implications
- Bench Battle Analysis
- Defensive Breakdown
- All-Star Recognition
- Historical Context
- What the Thunder Did Right
- What the Nuggets Must Improve
- Looking Ahead
- Final Thoughts on Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats
Thunder vs Nuggets Final Score and Top Performers
Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 121, Denver Nuggets 111
The Thunder never trailed in this Western Conference showdown, with SGA and Wallace combining for 61 points on efficient shooting. Peyton Watson led Denver with 29 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough as the Nuggets’ All-Star duo struggled throughout the night.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats
Thunder Starting Lineup Performance
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG | 3PT | FT | Blocks | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 34 | 5 | 13 | 11-16 | 1-2 | 11-13 | 1 | 2 |
| Cason Wallace | 27 | – | – | – | 7-14 | – | – | – |
| Chet Holmgren | 14 | 4 | 1 | 3-10 | 1-7 | 7-8 | 3 | – |
| Luguentz Dort | – | – | – | – | 1-3 | – | – | – |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Thunder Bench Contributions
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Wiggins | 14 | 6 | – | 5-9 | 3-6 |
| Jaylin Williams | – | – | – | – | – |
| Isaiah Joe | – | – | – | – | – |
| Kenrich Williams | – | – | – | – | – |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Masterclass
The reigning NBA MVP put on another clinic, finishing with an efficient 34 points on 11 of 16 shooting from the field. More impressively, SGA distributed 13 assists, tying his season high, while orchestrating the Thunder’s offense to perfection. He attacked the paint relentlessly, converting 11 of 13 free throw attempts and extending his streak of 20+ point games to 120 consecutive contests.
“They made shots,” Murray said after the game. “They made more shots than us. That’s all it is.”
Cason Wallace’s Breakout Performance
The second-year guard had the game of his young career, drilling seven three-pointers en route to 27 points. Wallace’s shooting display was particularly devastating in the third quarter, where he knocked down his sixth and seventh triples as part of a game-changing 12-0 run. His ability to space the floor and capitalize on the attention defenders paid to Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his growth as a legitimate scoring threat.
Denver Nuggets Player Stats
Nuggets Starting Five Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG | 3PT | FT | Blocks | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peyton Watson | 29 | 4-5 | – | – | 4-8 | – | – | – |
| Nikola Jokic | 16 | – | – | 4-9 | – | – | – | – |
| Jamal Murray | 12 | – | 12 | 4-16 | 1-8 | – | – | – |
| Jalen Pickett | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bruce Brown | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Nuggets Bench Production
| Player | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jonas Valanciunas | 13 | Solid backup center play |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | – | Part of struggling bench unit |
| Julian Strawther | – | Limited impact |
Jokic’s Quiet Night
The three-time MVP had an uncharacteristically subdued performance in just his second game back from a 16-game absence due to a knee injury. Jokic managed only 16 points on nine field goal attempts, rarely asserting himself offensively. The Thunder’s defensive gameplan, which featured aggressive double teams and physical play, clearly disrupted his rhythm.
Murray’s All-Star Struggle
Despite earning his first All-Star selection earlier that Sunday, Jamal Murray endured a difficult shooting night. The point guard converted just 4 of 16 field goal attempts, including a brutal 1 for 8 performance from beyond the arc. While he facilitated well with 12 assists, his inability to score put additional pressure on Denver’s supporting cast.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Thunder Set the Tone (32-26)
Oklahoma City jumped out to an early lead behind balanced scoring. Wallace connected on an early three-pointer from the left wing, setting the tone for what would become a historic shooting night for the young guard. The Thunder’s ball movement created open looks, and they capitalized with efficient offense.
Second Quarter: Building the Lead (62-55 at Half)
The Thunder extended their advantage to 14 points midway through the second quarter before Denver mounted a small comeback. However, Wallace’s three-pointer with 4.9 seconds remaining sent Oklahoma City into halftime with a comfortable seven-point cushion. The Thunder shot 10 of 24 from three-point range in the first half while maintaining defensive pressure on Jokic.
Third Quarter: Thunder Pull Away (92-76 After Three)
This is where the game was decided. Oklahoma City exploded for an 8 of 13 performance from three-point range, expanding their lead to 16 points. The sequence that broke Denver’s spirit came after the Nuggets had cut the deficit to 74-70. Holmgren hit a triple, then Wallace knocked down his sixth and seventh threes of the game. Following a Denver timeout, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wiggins each swished threes to complete a crushing 12-0 run where every bucket came from beyond the arc.
Fourth Quarter: Maintaining Control (Final: 121-111)
With a 16-point cushion entering the final frame, the Thunder controlled the pace and never allowed Denver to mount a serious threat. Gilgeous-Alexander put the finishing touches on the victory with a tough jumper plus the foul late in the game, sealing the 10-point win.
Team Shooting Statistics
Three-Point Shooting Comparison
| Team | 3PT Made | 3PT Attempted | 3PT Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | 19 | ~40 | 47.5% |
| Nuggets | ~13 | ~35 | 37.1% |
The Thunder’s perimeter shooting proved to be the difference maker. Oklahoma City connected on 19 three-pointers, with Wallace (7), Wiggins (3), and Gilgeous-Alexander all contributing from deep. The third quarter barrage, where they went 8 of 13 from long range, effectively ended any comeback hopes for Denver.
Injury Report Impact
Thunder Absences
The defending champions played without three rotation pieces:
- Jalen Williams (hamstring) – Sidelined, significant scoring threat missing
- Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) – Out
- Alex Caruso (right adductor strain) – Missing defensive presence
Despite these absences, Oklahoma City’s depth shined through as role players stepped up.
Nuggets Missing Pieces
Denver was similarly shorthanded:
- Aaron Gordon (right hamstring) – Out until mid-March
- Christian Braun (left ankle) – Hoping to return before All-Star break
- Cameron Johnson (right knee) – Expected back before All-Star break
The lack of Gordon’s defensive presence and physicality was particularly noticeable against the Thunder’s versatile attack.
Key Matchup: SGA vs Jokic
This game featured a battle between the last two NBA MVPs, with Gilgeous-Alexander capturing the award in 2024-25 and Jokic winning it three times previously. SGA clearly got the better of this matchup, outscoring Jokic 34-16 while facilitating at an elite level.
The Thunder’s defensive strategy focused on swarming Jokic whenever he touched the ball in the post, forcing him into difficult passes and contested shots. According to Nuggets coach David Adelman, the physicality allowed against Jokic compared to the free throws Gilgeous-Alexander received created an imbalance.
“They’re all-in, their whole team is guarding him,” Adelman said. “It’s a night-to-night thing with how they’re allowed to guard him as well. He shoots four free throws, there’s a lot of contact everywhere, their guy shoots 13. So, we just have to play through the contact.”
Playoff Rematch Implications
This game marked the first meeting between these Western Conference powers since the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in Game 7 of the conference semifinals last May. That victory propelled Oklahoma City to their first NBA championship in franchise history, making this regular season clash particularly meaningful.
The Thunder (39-11) and Nuggets (33-17) remain the top two teams in the West, and this contest provided a measuring stick for both squads. Oklahoma City proved they can win in Denver even without key rotation players, while the Nuggets showed they still have work to do against elite competition.
Bench Battle Analysis
The Thunder’s second unit significantly outperformed Denver’s vaunted “Bench Mob” additions. Through three quarters, the Nuggets’ 6-7-8 rotation of Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown combined for just 7 of 19 shooting with only two three-pointers. Their assist-to-turnover ratio of 2-to-3 highlighted the offensive struggles.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City’s bench trio of Wiggins, Williams, and Joe went 10 for 18 from the floor and 7 for 13 from three-point range with a 5-to-3 assist-to-turnover ratio. This depth advantage, which the Thunder have maintained all season, was precisely what Denver attempted to address with their offseason acquisitions.
Defensive Breakdown
Thunder’s Defensive Strategy
Oklahoma City employed an aggressive defensive scheme that sent frequent double teams at Jokic while denying easy entry passes. When the Nuggets’ offense stalled, the Thunder capitalized with quick transition opportunities. They grabbed eight offensive rebounds in the first quarter alone, controlling the glass early and creating second-chance opportunities.
Nuggets’ Perimeter Defense Struggles
Denver’s gameplan of sending the house at Gilgeous-Alexander backfired spectacularly. Whenever the Nuggets blitzed SGA, he found open teammates on the perimeter with swing passes. This strategy left gaping windows for shooters like Wallace, Wiggins, and others to knock down wide-open threes.
All-Star Recognition
Both teams received All-Star news on game day. Chet Holmgren joined Gilgeous-Alexander as an All-Star reserve for Oklahoma City, while Jamal Murray earned his first All-Star berth in his ninth NBA season for Denver. Despite the accolades, neither player had particularly dominant performances, with Holmgren finishing 14 points on 3 of 10 shooting and Murray struggling to 12 points on poor efficiency.
Historical Context
This victory improved the Thunder’s record to 39-11, the best mark in the Western Conference. Their ability to win on the road against quality opponents, even while missing rotation players, demonstrates the depth and resilience of the defending champions. The Thunder have now won the season series opener against Denver for the fourth consecutive year.
For the Nuggets, this loss dropped them to 33-17 and highlighted concerns about their ability to compete with Oklahoma City’s athleticism and depth. Denver will need to find answers before their next meeting on February 27 in Oklahoma City.
What the Thunder Did Right
Three-Point Execution: Oklahoma City’s 19 made threes on excellent efficiency showcased their offensive firepower. The willingness to swing the ball and find the open man created quality looks all night.
Defensive Pressure: Limiting Jokic to nine field goal attempts while forcing Murray into a difficult shooting night demonstrated the Thunder’s defensive versatility.
Depth Contributions: With three rotation players out, role players like Wallace, Wiggins, and the Williams duo stepped up when needed.
What the Nuggets Must Improve
Bench Production: The offseason acquisitions of Hardaway Jr., Valanciunas, and Brown were supposed to boost Denver’s depth. Through three quarters, that unit was outplayed significantly by the Thunder’s reserves.
Perimeter Defense: Allowing 19 three-pointers, many of them wide open, is unsustainable against elite teams. Denver’s defensive rotations and closeouts need tightening.
Offensive Flow Without Jokic Dominating: When the MVP has a quiet night, the Nuggets need alternative offensive engines. Murray’s struggles compounded the problem.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder return home to face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, riding high after this statement road victory. For Denver, a trip to Detroit awaits on Tuesday as they look to bounce back from this disappointing home loss.
These teams will meet again on February 27 in Oklahoma City, giving the Nuggets a chance for revenge. Based on this performance, the Thunder appear to be the clear favorites in the Western Conference playoff race.
Final Thoughts on Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats
The Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets match player stats from February 1, 2026, paint a picture of a team firing on all cylinders. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points and 13 assists, combined with Wallace’s career-high 27 points on seven three-pointers, proved too much for a Nuggets squad still finding its identity with new additions.
This wasn’t just a regular season victory. It was a statement from the defending champions that they remain the class of the Western Conference. The Thunder’s depth, versatility, and championship poise showed through even without three rotation players. For basketball fans tracking player stats and matchups, this game provided a masterclass in team basketball and efficient offense.
Denver has the talent to compete, but finding consistent contributions from their bench additions and getting Jokic fully healthy will be critical for any playoff hopes. The rematch on February 27 can’t come soon enough for Nuggets fans looking for redemption against the team that ended their championship dreams last spring.
