The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 112-105 in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals, showcasing their resilience amid doubts about their urgency and maturity. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half, including critical fourth-quarter shots that anchored the victory, while Nikola Jokić’s stellar performance for the Nuggets went unsupported by his teammates. The Thunder face significant pressure in Game 6, as every win is scrutinized against their past failures and expectations for advancement.
