Thunder 96 - Nuggets 84 (10/22/2026): Holmgren Dominates With 17 Boards

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a victory against the Denver Nuggets, taking the win 96-84. The game was held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday night. It marked the first regular-season game for both teams in the 2026-27 season.

In the first quarter, the Nuggets started strong with a 27-24 lead. Aaron Gordon shined for Denver with 20 points overall. Oklahoma City, however, maintained their pace, trailing only slightly behind.

Second Half Surge

The Thunder gained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 26-16. This shift gave Oklahoma City an edge, which they carried into the final quarter. Chet Holmgren was a key contributor with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

In the fourth quarter, the Thunder continued to excel, scoring another 26 points compared to Denver's 20. Jalen Williams added 21 points, helping to secure the win. The Thunder's defense also played a significant role with 12 steals.

Denver struggled with turnovers, recording 22 in total. Nikola Jokić added 13 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Oklahoma City. Jamal Murray pulled down 10 rebounds but only managed 6 points for the Nuggets.

Team Stats and Performance

The Thunder shot 37.9% from the field and hit 25.6% from beyond the arc. Their free throw shooting was nearly perfect at 92.9%. The team also recorded 22 assists, showing good ball movement throughout the game.

Denver, on the other hand, shot 37.8% from the field and struggled with their three-point shooting at 26.7%. Their free throw percentage was also lower at 63.6%. Despite grabbing 53 rebounds, their offensive struggles were apparent.

Both teams showed strong efforts on the boards, with Denver outrebounding Oklahoma City 53 to 46. However, the Thunder's ability to convert second-chance points helped maintain their lead. The Thunder's bench also provided valuable support throughout the game.

Looking Ahead

The Thunder now hold a 2-0 record in the early season, ranking 7th in the Western Conference. They look to continue their strong start with a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Coach Mark Daigneault will aim to maintain this winning momentum.

For the Nuggets, this loss marks a 0-1 start, placing them 8th in the Western Conference. Coach David Adelman will need to address the team's offensive issues before their next game. They are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Saturday.

As the season progresses, both teams will focus on refining their gameplay. The Thunder will aim to solidify their defense, while the Nuggets will look to improve their shooting accuracy and reduce turnovers. Fans can anticipate exciting games ahead as both teams work towards their goals.