Nuggets at Thunder · Recap

Thu, Oct 22 · 9:30 PM ETESPN · Paycom Center

0-1

Final

84–96

2-0

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
DEN	27	21	16	20	84
OKC	24	20	26	26	96

Largest lead OKC 17 pts · 2 lead changes · 3 ties · DEN led 62% of the game

Updated 19 h ago · news 28 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 23, 12:22 AM ET · source status

DEN

This game

OKC

37.8% FG (31/82)

Field goals

37.9% FG (36/95)

26.7% 3PT (8/30)

3-pointers

25.6% 3PT (11/43)

63.6% FT (14/22)

Free throws

92.9% FT (13/14)

53 reb 19 off · 34 def

Rebounds

46 reb 16 off · 30 def

22 tov

Turnovers

12 tov

36 pts

Points in the paint

46 pts

All team stats (14)

17 ast

Assists

22 ast

7 stl

Steals

12 stl

2 blk

Blocks

9 blk

21 pts

Points off turnovers

12 pts

2 pts

Fast-break pts

10 pts

23 PF

Fouls

22 PF

9 pts

Largest lead

17 pts

62% of the game

Time led

33% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 23, 12:22 AM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Jamal Murray G	37 min	6 pts	2-11 FG	0-1 3PT	2-4 FT	10 reb	3 ast	6 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-15 +/-
Nikola Jokic C	35 min	13 pts	5-19 FG	1-7 3PT	2-4 FT	7 reb	5 ast	2 tov	1 stl	1 blk	3 PF	-20 +/-
Christian Braun G	33 min	7 pts	3-10 FG	1-6 3PT	0-0 FT	6 reb	1 ast	2 tov	1 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-20 +/-
Aaron Gordon F	29 min	20 pts	6-9 FG	3-4 3PT	5-6 FT	6 reb	1 ast	2 tov	2 stl	1 blk	3 PF	-11 +/-
Cameron Johnson F	11 min	5 pts	2-3 FG	1-1 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+0 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
DeMar DeRozan G	28 min	13 pts	5-9 FG	0-1 3PT	3-6 FT	2 reb	0 ast	5 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-10 +/-
Alpha Diallo F	22 min	4 pts	2-4 FG	0-2 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	3 ast	2 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+1 +/-
Trevon Brazile F	18 min	4 pts	1-6 FG	0-4 3PT	2-2 FT	12 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-1 +/-
Marvin Bagley III F	11 min	2 pts	1-3 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	3 reb	1 ast	2 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+3 +/-
Tyus Jones G	10 min	2 pts	1-3 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-2 +/-
DaRon Holmes II F	2 min	3 pts	1-2 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+5 +/-
Ryan Nembhard G	2 min	5 pts	2-3 FG	1-1 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+5 +/-
Bryce Hopkins F	2 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+5 +/-
Team		84 pts	31-82 FG	8-30 3PT	14-22 FT	53 reb	17 ast	22 tov	7 stl	2 blk	23 PF

1 did not play: Zeke Nnaji (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander G	35 min	17 pts	6-19 FG	3-11 3PT	2-2 FT	2 reb	3 ast	0 tov	0 stl	1 blk	0 PF	+21 +/-
Jalen Williams G	33 min	21 pts	7-15 FG	2-6 3PT	5-6 FT	5 reb	3 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+0 +/-
Chet Holmgren C	28 min	12 pts	5-9 FG	0-1 3PT	2-2 FT	17 reb	2 ast	3 tov	1 stl	4 blk	4 PF	+12 +/-
Cason Wallace G	24 min	9 pts	3-8 FG	3-6 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	0 tov	4 stl	0 blk	4 PF	+8 +/-
Isaiah Hartenstein C	23 min	6 pts	3-10 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	6 reb	2 ast	2 tov	0 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+8 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Ajay Mitchell G	23 min	12 pts	5-11 FG	0-4 3PT	2-2 FT	0 reb	0 ast	3 tov	5 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+10 +/-
Alex Caruso G	20 min	7 pts	3-7 FG	1-5 3PT	0-0 FT	4 reb	5 ast	0 tov	1 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+17 +/-
Jared McCain G	18 min	4 pts	1-6 FG	0-3 3PT	2-2 FT	0 reb	1 ast	2 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-2 +/-
Jaylin Williams F	15 min	3 pts	1-4 FG	1-4 3PT	0-0 FT	7 reb	3 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+13 +/-
Aday Mara C	13 min	2 pts	1-3 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	3 reb	0 ast	1 tov	1 stl	1 blk	1 PF	-8 +/-
Kenrich Williams G	6 min	3 pts	1-2 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-9 +/-
Brooks Barnhizer F	2 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-5 +/-
Bennett Stirtz G	2 min	0 pts	0-1 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-5 +/-
Team		96 pts	36-95 FG	11-43 3PT	13-14 FT	46 reb	22 ast	12 tov	12 stl	9 blk	22 PF

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · DEN 27, OKC 24 (DEN 27–24 OKC in the period)

11:423-pointerWallace 3-pt jumper (assist: Holmgren) · OKC 3–0
10:35FoulShooting foul on Wallace (1 PF)
10:35Free throwGordon free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 1–3
10:35Free throwGordon free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 2–3
9:55BasketMurray layup (assist: Jokic) · DEN 4–3 lead change
9:33BasketJokic driving floater · DEN 6–3
9:10BasketHolmgren driving layup · OKC 5–6
8:55BasketJohnson pull-up bank jumper (assist: Jokic) · DEN 8–5
8:41FoulShooting foul on Johnson (1 PF)
8:41Free throwWilliams free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 6–8
8:41Free throwWilliams free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 7–8
8:293-pointerJohnson 3-pt jumper (assist: Gordon) · DEN 11–7
8:16BasketHartenstein alley-oop dunk (assist: Williams) · OKC 9–11
7:49BasketBraun tip-in · DEN 13–9
7:29BasketMurray driving layup · DEN 15–9
7:29TimeoutTimeout OKC
6:413-pointerWilliams 3-pt jumper (assist: Hartenstein) · OKC 12–15
6:20BasketJokic jumper (assist: Johnson) · DEN 17–12
6:10BasketWilliams pull-up jumper · OKC 14–17
5:46BasketGordon driving bank jumper · DEN 19–14
5:253-pointerWilliams 3-pt jumper (assist: Holmgren) · OKC 17–19
5:16FoulPersonal foul on Holmgren (1 PF)
4:593-pointerBraun 3-pt jumper (assist: Murray) · DEN 22–17
4:39FoulLoose-ball foul on Williams (1 PF)
2:53TimeoutTimeout DEN
2:42BasketCaruso reverse layup (assist: Williams) · OKC 19–22
2:24BasketDeRozan driving finger-roll layup (assist: Diallo) · DEN 24–19
1:52Free throwDeRozan free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 25–19
1:433-pointerWilliams 3-pt jumper (assist: Caruso) · OKC 22–25
22.4 sBasketDiallo putback layup · DEN 27–22
2.1 sBasketCaruso cutting layup (assist: Gilgeous-Alexander) · OKC 24–27
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · DEN 27, OKC 24

Q2 · DEN 48, OKC 44 (DEN 21–20 OKC in the period)

11:08BasketMitchell floater (assist: Williams) · OKC 26–27
10:44BasketGordon step-back jumper · DEN 29–26
10:31BasketMitchell pull-up jumper · OKC 28–29
10:13FoulOffensive foul on Gordon (1 PF)
10:06FoulPersonal foul on Gordon (2 PF)
9:37BasketJones driving finger-roll layup · DEN 31–28
9:12Free throwGordon free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 32–28
9:12Free throwGordon free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 33–28
8:49BasketDeRozan turnaround jumper · DEN 35–28
7:47FoulShooting foul on Williams (2 PF)
7:47Free throwBrazile free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 36–28
7:47Free throwBrazile free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 37–28 DEN 10–2 run
7:33BasketMara alley-oop dunk (assist: McCain) · OKC 30–37
6:41BasketBagley III putback layup · DEN 39–30 DEN 10–2 run
6:41TimeoutTimeout OKC
6:21BasketMcCain driving finger-roll layup · OKC 32–39
5:08Free throwMurray free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 40–32
4:57BasketMitchell driving layup (assist: Caruso) · OKC 34–40
4:343-pointerJokic 3-pt jumper (assist: Braun) · DEN 43–34
4:02BasketHolmgren running layup (assist: Williams) · OKC 36–43
4:02TimeoutTimeout DEN
3:41FoulPersonal foul on Jokic (1 PF)
3:30FoulShooting foul on Johnson (2 PF)
3:30Free throwMitchell free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 37–43
3:30Free throwMitchell free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 38–43
3:06FoulLoose-ball foul on Hartenstein (1 PF)
3:06Free throwJokic free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 44–38
2:46FoulPersonal foul on Murray (1 PF)
2:46Free throwHolmgren free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 39–44
2:46Free throwHolmgren free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 40–44
2:26FoulShooting foul on Holmgren (2 PF)
2:26Free throwGordon free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 45–40
1:513-pointerGordon 3-pt pull-up jumper · DEN 48–40
1:40FoulPersonal foul on Braun (1 PF)
1:40Free throwGilgeous-Alexander free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 41–48
1:40Free throwGilgeous-Alexander free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 42–48
27.9 sBasketHartenstein cutting dunk (assist: Gilgeous-Alexander) · OKC 44–48
4.8 sFoulOffensive foul on Braun (2 PF)
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · DEN 48, OKC 44

Q3 · DEN 64, OKC 70 (DEN 16–26 OKC in the period)

11:32BasketGilgeous-Alexander driving bank jumper · OKC 46–48
11:08BasketWilliams driving layup · OKC 48–48 OKC 8–0 run
10:573-pointerGordon 3-pt jumper (assist: Jokic) · DEN 51–48
10:35BasketHartenstein cutting layup (assist: Williams) · OKC 50–51
10:08BasketJokic pull-up jumper · DEN 53–50
9:153-pointerGordon 3-pt jumper (assist: Jokic) · DEN 56–50
8:13BasketHolmgren putback dunk · OKC 52–56
7:49BasketGordon driving reverse layup (assist: Murray) · DEN 58–52
7:283-pointerWallace 3-pt jumper (assist: Williams) · OKC 55–58
7:17FoulPersonal foul on Hartenstein (2 PF)
7:13FoulPersonal foul on Wallace (2 PF)
7:04FoulPersonal foul on Braun (3 PF)
6:59TimeoutTimeout OKC
6:51BasketJokic running dunk (assist: Diallo) · DEN 60–55
5:51FoulOffensive foul on Jokic (2 PF)
5:34FoulShooting foul on Murray (2 PF)
5:34Free throwWilliams free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 56–60
5:23FoulPersonal foul on Holmgren (3 PF)
5:12BasketWilliams running alley-oop dunk (assist: Wallace) · OKC 58–60
5:10TimeoutTimeout DEN
4:11BasketMitchell driving layup · OKC 60–60
3:21BasketBrazile reverse layup (assist: Jokic) · DEN 62–60
3:06BasketHolmgren cutting dunk (assist: Gilgeous-Alexander) · OKC 62–62
2:06BasketMitchell running layup · OKC 64–62 lead change
1:12FoulPersonal foul on Gordon (3 PF)
1:023-pointerCaruso 3-pt jumper (assist: Williams) · OKC 67–62 OKC 12–2 run
42.6 sBasketDeRozan pull-up jumper · DEN 64–67
1.7 s3-pointerGilgeous-Alexander 3-pt pull-up jumper · OKC 70–64 OKC 10–2 run
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · OKC 70, DEN 64

Q4 · DEN 84, OKC 96 (DEN 20–26 OKC in the period)

11:29FoulPersonal foul on Williams (3 PF)
11:22BasketWilliams running dunk (assist: Caruso) · OKC 72–64
10:05BasketDiallo cutting layup (assist: Bagley III) · DEN 66–72
9:07BasketWilliams running alley-oop dunk (assist: Caruso) · OKC 74–66
9:07TimeoutTimeout DEN
8:54BasketDeRozan pull-up jumper (assist: Diallo) · DEN 68–74
7:54Free throwMcCain free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 75–68
7:54Free throwMcCain free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 76–68
7:12FoulShooting foul on Holmgren (4 PF)
7:12Free throwDeRozan free throw 2 of 2 · DEN 69–76
6:58TimeoutTimeout DEN
6:50BasketGilgeous-Alexander step-back jumper · OKC 78–69
6:203-pointerWallace 3-pt jumper (assist: Hartenstein) · OKC 81–69
6:03BasketDeRozan jumper (assist: Murray) · DEN 71–81
5:26FoulPersonal foul on Wallace (3 PF)
5:18Free throwDeRozan free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 72–81
5:18TimeoutTimeout OKC
5:073-pointerGilgeous-Alexander 3-pt fadeaway jumper · OKC 84–72
4:41FoulPersonal foul on Wallace (4 PF)
4:41Free throwJokic free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 73–84
4:41TimeoutTimeout OKC
4:08FoulPersonal foul on Jokic (3 PF)
4:08Free throwWilliams free throw 1 of 2 · OKC 85–73
4:08Free throwWilliams free throw 2 of 2 · OKC 86–73
3:35BasketHolmgren layup · OKC 88–73
3:28Free throwMurray free throw 1 of 2 · DEN 74–88
2:55BasketGilgeous-Alexander fadeaway jumper · OKC 90–74
2:33BasketBraun tip-in · DEN 76–90
1:443-pointerGilgeous-Alexander 3-pt jumper (assist: Caruso) · OKC 93–76
1:43TimeoutTimeout DEN
1:213-pointerHolmes II 3-pt jumper (assist: Nembhard) · DEN 79–93
53.4 s3-pointerNembhard 3-pt jumper (assist: Holmes II) · DEN 82–93
37.5 s3-pointerWilliams 3-pt jumper (assist: Barnhizer) · OKC 96–82
10.3 sBasketNembhard layup · DEN 84–96
0.0 sPeriodFinal · OKC 96, DEN 84

The game-flow line (win probability): each is a prediction tool, still a work in progress. Turn on Prediction tools to try them. What are prediction tools?

Recap

Thunder came back after halftime and beat the Nuggets

DEN 84, OKC 96. Denver led for 62% of the game and went up by as much as 9 pts. Oklahoma City then won the third quarter 26-16 and the fourth 26-20, and its lead reached 17 pts. Jalen Williams led OKC with 21 pts and hit a late 3-pointer that made it 96–82.

Sources: Box score via ESPN · Play-by-play via ESPN

Also in the picture (1)

Jokic shot 5-19 as Denver's offense stalled
Nikola Jokic finished with 13 pts, 7 reb and 5 ast on 5-19 FG in 35 min. Aaron Gordon led Denver with 20 pts on 6-9 FG. The Nuggets shot 31-82 from the field and 8-30 from 3.
Sources: Box score via ESPN

Recap written Oct 23, 12:36 AM ET by our system from the box score and the posts linked, in our own words. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does Spencer Jones play? No
At tip: Out (ESPN)
What happened: Did not play

Before the game: the story

Opinion Nuggets open season at OKC with a healthy Jokic and starters

Denver opens its season in Oklahoma City on ESPN. Swipa of Locked On Nuggets says Nikola Jokic and Cam Johnson are fully healthy, and Matt Moore says Aaron Gordon is healthy too ("knock on wood"). The Athletic NBA Daily calls the Murray-Braun-Johnson-Gordon-Jokic group one of the league's best starting fives, as long as it stays healthy.

Sources: NBA schedule · TV listings · Locked On Nuggets “LETS GET ROCKIN' | Nuggets Basketball is BACK | Gl” at 4:23, 9:02 · Locked On Nuggets “Nuggets-Thunder Scouting Report: The Curtain Rises” at 5:39 · The Athletic NBA Daily “Big Preseason Changes + Why Sandro Mamukelashvili” at 7:16

Also in the picture (3)

Opinion Adelman's 'hockey rotation' and DeRozan's bench role in focus
Matt Moore of Locked On Nuggets says Adelman wants something close to a hockey rotation, with rookie Trevon Brazile as the backup four. Ryan Blackburn doubts Adelman will really use 11 players early on. Hardwood Knocks expects newcomer DeMar DeRozan to come off the bench.
Sources: Locked On Nuggets “Nuggets-Thunder Scouting Report: The Curtain Rises” at 5:43, 6:27 · Locked On Nuggets “Spencer Jones is back | Building an 11-Man Rotatio” at 14:32 · Hardwood Knocks “1 Big Question For Every NBA Teams In The Western” at 12:51, 14:42 · Roster: DeMar DeRozan
Reported Thunder lock up Cason Wallace with $139 million extension
OKC signed Cason Wallace to a rookie-scale extension. Shams Charania reports it was a key move before his restricted free agency and keeps the whole starting five under contract for years. ESPN puts the deal at $139 million, and Charania notes Wallace led the NBA in total steals and deflections last season.
Sources: Transaction 2026-10-19 · Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) on X · ESPN: “2026 NBA free agency: Grades for offseason signings, extensions”
Reported OKC arrives after shutting down Wembanyama in Spurs rematch
ESPN reports the Thunder got revenge on the Spurs in their Western Conference finals rematch, holding Victor Wembanyama to a career-worst 8% shooting. Locked On Thunder says rookie Aday Mara was the first player off the bench. Nikola Topic (back) and Thomas Sorber (knee) are out against Denver, and Otega Oweh is out for the season after Achilles surgery.
Sources: ESPN: “Spurs' Victor Wembanyama misses first 12 shots in rough opener vs. Thu…” · Locked On Thunder “What OKC Thunder's BIG WIN vs. Spurs Means | Aday” at 7:26 · Nikola Topic status (ESPN) · Thomas Sorber status (ESPN) · Otega Oweh status (ESPN)

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 22, 8:05 PM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

RotoWireDENNikola Jokic28 h ago
Nikola Jokic: Vintage performance in win — Jokic closed Saturday's 141-135 overtime victory over New Orleans with 35 points (12-23 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks and two steals over 44 minutes.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireDENJamal Murray29 h ago
Jamal Murray: Pours in 42 points in overtime win — Murray accumulated 42 points (12-25 FG, 8-16 3Pt, 10-13 FT), three rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal across 43 minutes during Saturday's 141-135 overtime win over the Pelicans.
RotoWire · Original ↗
XDENBryce Hopkins33 h ago
Lineup alert: Nuggets will start Murray, Braun, Bryce Hopkins, Gordon, Jokic on Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
ESPNDENAlpha DialloOut33 h ago
Diallo (wrist) won't play Saturday against the Pelicans.
Right, Wrist (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA
RotoWireDENCameron JohnsonQuestionable34 h ago
Cameron Johnson: Day-to-day with ankle sprain — Head coach David Aldeman said that Johnson is "day-to-day" due to his sprained right ankle, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette · Original ↗also reported by ESPN, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports
XDENOct 23
Nuggets might be starting a 2-way player at small forward tomorrow in their home opener. Cam Whitmore or rookie Bryce Hopkins
@HarrisonWind · View on X
ESPNDENSpencer JonesOutOct 23
Jones (hamstring) is out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans.
Hamstring (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by @HarrisonWind, @UnderdogNBA, @BennettDurando
RotoWireDENCameron JohnsonOutOct 23
Cameron Johnson: Won't play Saturday — Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against New Orleans.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by ESPN

Show 6 older items

ESPNDENAlpha DialloDay-to-dayOct 23
Diallo closed with four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and one steal over 22 minutes during Thursday's 96-84 loss to the Thunder.
Right, Wrist (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNOKCOtega OwehOutOct 23
The Thunder plan to waive Oweh (Achilles) on Friday.
Right, Achilles, Surgery (return est. 2027-07-01)ESPN · Original ↗
XOKCShai Gilgeous-AlexanderOct 23
Coach Daigneault said he was going to leave Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in for the 20+ point streak but SGA subbed himself out: "I just have to note, he asked out of the game at the end... That was his substitution. It shows tremendous class as a competitor." SGA finished with 17.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
RotoWireDENAaron GordonOct 23
Aaron Gordon: Drills three triples in loss — Gordon totaled 20 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block in 29 minutes during Thursday's 96-84 loss to the Thunder.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireOKCJalen WilliamsOct 23
Jalen Williams: Cruises to 21-point night — Williams tallied 21 points (7-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes during Thursday's 96-84 win over the Nuggets.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireDENCameron JohnsonOct 23
Cameron Johnson: Fails to return Thursday — Johnson (ankle) didn't return to Thursday's game against Oklahoma City. He ended with five points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist in 11 minutes.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by ESPN

Injuries at tip

official report Oct 22 · as of tip, Oct 22, 9:30 PM ET

DEN Denver Nuggets

Started Murray, Jokic, Braun, Gordon, Johnson box score

Julian StrawtherOut
Strawther (knee) was diagnosed with a left knee sprain Friday and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Left, Knee, Sprain (return est. 2026-11-29) · ESPN Oct 16
Spencer JonesOut
Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Oklahoma City, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.
Hamstring (return est. 2026-10-24) · ESPN Oct 22

OKC Oklahoma City Thunder

Started Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Wallace, Hartenstein box score

Nikola TopicOut
Topic (back) won't play in Thursday's game against the Nuggets.
Back, Surgery (return est. 2026-10-26) · ESPN Oct 21
Otega OwehOut
Oweh (Achilles) underwent surgery Wednesday and will miss the entirety of the 2026-27 season, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
Right, Achilles, Surgery (return est. 2027-07-01) · ESPN Oct 14
Thomas SorberOut
Sorber (knee) is listed as out for Thursday's game against Denver.
Right, Knee, Surgery (return est. 2026-10-26) · ESPN Oct 21

Latest news

posted before tip · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XDENDeMar DeRozanOct 22
Check out my piece on DeMar DeRozan in today’s @DenverPost (check out @aaronontiveroz and @sam_tabachnik too) before the Nuggets tip off their season in an hour
@BennettDurando · View on X
XDENDeMar DeRozanOct 22
It’s Nuggets opening day. In a changing NBA, where depth is as essential as star power, Denver turns to an aging star to ward off roster erosion Wrote about DeMar DeRozan, Halloween costumes, taxi rides, videotape, childhood, parenthood & time running out
@BennettDurando · View on X

Schedule & travel · referees

	DEN	OKC
Days of rest	5	1
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	1	1
Travel to this game (est.)	1,179 mi	420 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	1,179 mi	420 mi
Time zones crossed	2	0
Road trip game #	3	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: Zach Zarba, Sean Corbin, Robert Hussey

After the game

posted after the final · newest 44 h ago · sources checked 4 h ago · each item links to where it came from

DEN Denver Nuggets

X Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) · Report · Oct 23
David Adelman said at practice on Wednesday that Spencer Jones was a "full go" and he was "excited" to see him play opening night in OKC. Now he's ruled out for the first two games of the season.
original post ↗
Availability The Athletic NBA Daily · 2 points · 44 h ago
- Cam Johnson left the Thunder-Nuggets game after playing only 11 minutes. No reason was given. at 17:59
- Spencer Jones is apparently not playing right now ("once Spencer Jones gets back"); no reason is given. The host says that when he returns and pairs with Diallo and Brazile, Denver will have defensive depth for the first time. at 19:35
“Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Jam” · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 23
Thunder overcome SGA's shooting woes to beat Nuggets 96-84 in home opener
— Jalen Williams scored 21 points, Chet Holmgren had 12 points and 17 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder withstood a poor shooting night from Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander in their home opener to beat the Denver Nuggets 96-84 on Thursday.
source ↗
Bluesky Law Murray (@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social) · Report · Oct 23
Nuggets lost Cameron Johnson at halftime Here were the three reserves that played more than 15 minutes - 18-year veteran coming off bench for first time since rookie year - EuroLeague veteran making NBA debut - second-round rookie
original post ↗
Role Locked On Nuggets host · Analysis · Oct 23
After Denver lost Cameron Johnson in the Thunder game, DeMar DeRozan played more minutes than expected.
“The ONE Thing Denver Needs On The Roster” at 6:42 · listen ↗

OKC Oklahoma City Thunder

News ESPN · Story · Oct 23
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record 20-point streak ends in Thunder win over Nuggets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic streak of 20-point games ended Thursday night when he finished with 17 in a 96-84 win over the Nuggets.
source ↗
Availability Locked On Thunder · 3 points · Oct 24
- Otega Oweh ruptured his Achilles this preseason, which will keep him out the entire season. at 2:15
- Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber are out for now. Together with Otega Oweh and the open spot, that makes four inactive roster spots every night, three of them because of injuries. at 6:05
- Thomas Sorber has not played organized, full-contact basketball since February 2025 of his college season, to the host's knowledge. at 19:13
“OKC Thunder Makes INTERESTING Two-Way Add | What Happens to Otega Oweh? | Expectations for Rookie” · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 23
Thunder overcome SGA's shooting woes to beat Nuggets 96-84 in home opener
— Jalen Williams scored 21 points, Chet Holmgren had 12 points and 17 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder withstood a poor shooting night from Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander in their home opener to beat the Denver Nuggets 96-84 on Thursday.
source ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · Oct 23
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Scoring streak comes to an end — Gilgeous-Alexander closed Thursday's 96-84 win over Denver with 17 points (6-19 FG, 3-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, three assists and one block across 35 minutes.
source ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 22 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

DEN Denver Nuggets

Rotation Locked On Nuggets · 2 points · Oct 22
- Ryan Blackburn: Ryan predicts the bench will probably be Tyus Jones, Alpha Diallo, DeMar DeRozan, Spencer Jones and Marvin Bagley. He thinks it's fair to work Spencer Jones back into the mix rather than lean on a rookie, Trevon Brazile, on the road. at 26:17
- The hosts debate whether a starter will stagger with the second unit to open the second quarter. In the last preseason game vs the Lakers, Denver apparently used the setup under discussion; one speaker thinks that was just to see it once and doesn't mean they'll use it initially. at 27:38
“HERE WE GO: Nuggets-Thunder is HERE, BIG X-Factors to Watch” · listen ↗
Availability Locked On Nuggets · 2 points · Oct 22
- Matt Moore: The host says Aaron Gordon goes into this game healthy ("knock on wood"). at 5:39
- Matt Moore: The host describes Trevon Brazile as the backup four and says his minutes can help counter OKC's help defense. at 5:43
“Nuggets-Thunder Scouting Report: The Curtain Rises” · listen ↗

OKC Oklahoma City Thunder

Availability Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Report · Oct 22
Lowe says Jalen Williams ("J-Dub") is healthy and looked pretty good, though he didn't shoot well.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 16:40 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Thunder · 2 points · Oct 22
- Rylan Stiles: Cason Wallace made his first start, which the host described as filling the Lou Dort role in the starting lineup. at 12:22
- Justin Martinez: Justin said Mitchell is now the lead guard of the second unit and may start on some nights. at 22:06
“How OKC Thunder Can IMPROVE After Season Opening Win | Are Nuggets Still Contenders” · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On NBA host · Analysis · Oct 21
A host said Chet Holmgren was more physical with Wembanyama, and Aday Mara, described as seven-foot-three, also played about 12-13 minutes against him, so Wemby never got a break.
“Biggest Opening Night Takeaways: 76ers Impress, Thunder Statement, Celtics Collapse” at 16:22 · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder, Thu, Oct 22: final, Thunder 96, Nuggets 84

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · DEN 84, OKC 96 (DEN 20–26 OKC in the period)

Thunder came back after halftime and beat the Nuggets

Things to watch

Opinion Nuggets open season at OKC with a healthy Jokic and starters

Since the final

Injuries at tip

DEN Denver Nuggets

OKC Oklahoma City Thunder

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