The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, two of the strongest teams in the NBA this season, delivered a thriller Monday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. For most of the night, neither team managed to gain a decisive advantage as both traded big shots in a tightly contested battle that had all the intensity of a playoff matchup.
But in the final moments, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, once again proved why he’s one of the league’s most clutch performers.
Jalen Williams Reacts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game-Winner vs. Nuggets
With the score tied in the closing seconds, Gilgeous-Alexander worked his way past Spencer Jones on the wing before drilling a step-back 3-pointer to seal the victory for Oklahoma City. Jones could only watch as the shot fell through the net.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander WALKS IT OFF VS NUGGETS
😳 😳 pic.twitter.com/dtGefVk2Qo
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) March 10, 2026
The dramatic moment quickly sparked reactions across the basketball world, including from Thunder star teammate Jalen Williams. Williams kept his reaction simple, posting a five-word message on X praising his teammate:
“MVP. Don’t think too hard!!!”
MVP. Don’t think too hard !!!#watchthegames
— therealjalenwilliams (@jdubwttp) March 10, 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night with a spectacular stat line: 35 points, 15 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal on 14-of-21 shooting in 39 minutes.
The performance nearly gave him his third career triple-double while also tying an incredible record. Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 126th consecutive 20-point game, matching the mark set by a legendary big man.
It was also a historic night statistically. Only two players in NBA history have recorded 35 points and 15 assists with zero turnovers — Gilgeous-Alexander in the win against the Nuggets and LeBron James, who accomplished the feat in 2018.
The Nuggets had their own standout performances despite the loss. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Jamal Murray played a key role during a dramatic final stretch.
The Nuggets briefly rallied late in the game. Jokić knocked down a 3-pointer while Murray converted a free throw after drawing a foul from Jaylin Williams, completing a combined 4-point sequence that tied the game 126-126.
nikola jokic 3; jaylin williams foul; nuggets vs thunder pic.twitter.com/OjsmTr5GII
— ◇ (@F0RGIAT0) March 10, 2026
But Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately delivered the final blow with his clutch 3-pointer moments later, pushing the score 129-126 in favor of OKC.
OKC’s win came despite the absence of key frontcourt players Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren.
The victory also continued the Thunder’s stellar run. The defending 2025 NBA champions secured their sixth consecutive win, improving to 51-15 and maintaining the top spot in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets dropped to 39-26, suffering their second straight loss after a heavy 39-point defeat to the New York Knicks in their previous outing.
Adding to the Nuggets’ frustrations, Oklahoma City has now defeated Jokić and Co. in all three matchups this season, further reinforcing the Thunder’s status as one of the league’s elite teams.
