The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered some incredible moments, and the Western Conference Semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder has been no exception. After a hard-fought Game 6 at Ball Arena, the defending champion Nuggets took care of business, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday at 3:30pm ET on ABC. Get ready, NBA fans — it’s going to be must-watch television.
Friday night’s Game 6 was all about resilience. With their backs against the wall, Denver responded like champions. From the opening tip, Nikola Jokić played like a man possessed, controlling the tempo and putting on a masterclass in all-around basketball. He finished the game with a dominant triple-double — 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists — proving once again why he’s one of the most complete players in the league.
But this wasn’t a solo effort. Jamal Murray came alive, shaking off a shaky series to drop 25 points with clutch shot after clutch shot. His fourth-quarter flurry helped seal the game and sent the Denver crowd into a frenzy. Michael Porter Jr. also delivered with timely threes and improved defense, giving Denver the spacing they needed to keep OKC’s young defenders honest.
Credit has to be given to the Thunder, though. Despite the loss, they showed poise and maturity beyond their years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a legitimate MVP candidate this season, kept OKC in it with his smooth scoring and calm leadership. Rookie phenom Chet Holmgren battled hard in the paint against Jokić, and Jalen Williams continued to make high-impact plays on both ends.
Still, Friday night belonged to the Nuggets. Their defense tightened up, holding OKC under 100 points for the first time in the series. Aaron Gordon was a defensive anchor, switching onto guards and bigs alike, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hounded SGA and disrupted OKC’s offensive flow. It was the kind of gritty, locked-in performance you expect from a battle-tested playoff team.
And now, it all comes down to Game 7.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Denver, it’s about defending their title and proving they’re still the team to beat in the West. For Oklahoma City, it’s a shot at announcing themselves as the next powerhouse — young, fearless, and hungry to take the throne. It’s veteran experience versus youthful energy, Jokic’s genius against SGA’s rising stardom.
The storylines are endless: Can Jokić carry Denver one more time? Will Murray rise again in a Game 7, like he has in the past? Can the Thunder’s young core block out the noise and steal one on the road?
Whatever happens, basketball fans are in for a treat. Sunday’s Game 7 is shaping up to be one of the defining moments of the 2025 playoffs. Set your alarms, clear your schedule, and get your popcorn ready — Nuggets vs. Thunder, Game 7, 3:30pm ET on ABC. Let’s go.
