If there’s one series to circle in red ink this postseason, it’s the impending Western Conference Semifinal matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. There are so many implications and narratives at work as the two teams prepare for Monday, May 5.
On one side stands the former champions, Denver, a battle-tested roster fighting to reclaim the glory days of their championship past and prove that it wasn’t just a one-and-done NBA Finals run. Conversely, the Thunder are young, hungry, and riding the momentum of a historic regular season while chasing their franchise’s first-ever Larry O’Brien trophy.
Not to mention, after a pivotal performance in Game 7 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver’s veteran Russell Westbrook gears up to face a former team and fan base that defined a large portion of his seasoned career.
Nuggets, Thunder Gear Up for the Battle of the MVPs
At the heart of this matchup are two MVP finalists going head-to-head. The official MVP winner will be announced during the series, adding more spotlight to the showdown.
For Denver’s Nikola Jokić, this is his chance to shut down all the talk of “voter fatigue” and remind everyone he’s still one of the best in the world. For OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s the perfect time to cap off his standout season by knocking off a former championship team and their MVP.
The paths to this point were totally different. OKC breezed through the Memphis Grizzlies, sweeping them 4-0 and showing their regular-season run was no fluke.
READ MORE: ‘Nothing New’ — NBA Fans Troll James Harden as Clippers Star Disappoints During Game 7
Denver, meanwhile, had to survive a tough seven-game fight with the Clippers. The series went back and forth until Denver’s supporting cast came up big in Game 7 to close out Kawhi Leonard and company.
But all that work comes at a price. The Nuggets only get one day off before heading to a hostile OKC crowd, while the Thunder have been resting and preparing. Still, some Denver fans say that momentum is now on their side.
Fans are already making their predictions online.
“Denver is getting destroyed,” one fan said.
Denver is getting destroyed
— Rudy (@YES102811)
“I think this is the series that firing Mike Malone backfires in DEN. OKC in 6,” said another.
“OKC depth is just too much,” lamented one fan.
OKC depth is just too much.
— Orandy (@Orandy587)
Others predicted a Nuggets victory — “Denver in 7 #nba”
“Denver may have found themselves,” commented another.
Denver may have found themselves
— Matt (@Now_I_get_it)
Despite the mixed opinions, there is no doubt that this series will be one for the books.
