The Oklahoma City Thunder return to the Paycom Center for Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets with the series tied at 2-2 and a golden opportunity to reclaim control of the matchup in front of what has been one of the loudest and most energized home crowds of the postseason, having gone undefeated against the spread in their last 10 games and proving to be the NBA’s most consistent two-way force throughout the 2024–25 season. After a thrilling 113-104 overtime victory in Game 4, the Thunder are surging with confidence behind the superstar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has continued his MVP-caliber postseason by averaging 32.8 points per game with surgical efficiency, poised decision-making, and the ability to attack any defensive scheme Denver has thrown his way. Oklahoma City’s 68-14 regular season record was no fluke—the team ranks among the league’s elite in both offensive and defensive rating, and their ability to combine relentless pace, on-ball pressure, and offensive precision has made them a nightmare matchup for even the defending champions, especially when they control tempo and get out in transition. With Gilgeous-Alexander setting the tone, the supporting cast has blossomed under head coach Mark Daigneault’s system, with Chet Holmgren making his presence felt as a shot-blocker, pick-and-pop threat, and transition rim-runner while Jalen Williams has become the team’s primary secondary playmaker, consistently making smart reads, hitting timely threes, and guarding multiple positions with grit and versatility.

Luguentz Dort has embraced the role of defensive enforcer, often tasked with guarding Jamal Murray and fighting through screens, while Josh Giddey’s size and passing continue to add an extra layer of creativity to Oklahoma City’s fluid offensive sets. On the defensive end, the Thunder have allowed just 107.0 points per game during the regular season, and their playoff defense has been anchored by Holmgren’s rim protection, aggressive closeouts from their wings, and strong rebounding fundamentals that have limited Denver’s second-chance opportunities, particularly in their home victories. Daigneault has masterfully orchestrated game-to-game adjustments, including doubling Jokić in certain situations to force other Nuggets to beat them and mixing in full-court pressure to disrupt Denver’s half-court rhythm. The Thunder’s depth has also shown its value, with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins giving meaningful minutes off the bench, knocking down big shots, and maintaining defensive pressure when the starters rest. Oklahoma City’s flawless 10-0 record ATS in their last 10 games highlights just how well they’ve played relative to expectations, and the team’s unrelenting energy on both ends has made them a true title contender far ahead of schedule. With the crowd behind them and a chance to move within one win of the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder must continue to lean on their defense, stay composed in late-game moments, and trust their offensive system to expose Denver’s shaky perimeter coverage, and if Gilgeous-Alexander stays hot and Holmgren protects the paint as he has all year, the Thunder are in a prime position to take a 3-2 series lead and put the defending champs on the ropes.