Sports
Thunder Take 3-2 Series Lead With Game 5 Statement Win Over Nuggets
May
Thunder take 3-2 series lead after a high-stakes 112-105 victory at Paycom Center, where Oklahoma City leaned on depth, defense, and dominant late-game execution to move within one win of the Western Conference Finals.
The win resets the series momentum and places OKC firmly in control heading into Game 6 in Denver. The Thunder’s young core continues to defy playoff expectations.
Thunder Take 3-2 Series Lead After Game 5 Statement Win
From start to finish, OKC never looked overwhelmed. After trailing by two at halftime, the Thunder surged in the fourth quarter behind timely stops and balanced scoring to outlast the defending champs.
With the home crowd igniting every steal and bucket, the Thunder once again proved that their playoff run is no fluke.
Game 5 Was the Turning Point
This was not just a win—it was a shift in narrative. After trading blows for four games, Oklahoma City finally tilted the series their way with poise and execution.
Paycom Crowd Ignites Thunder Momentum
The atmosphere at Paycom Center felt like the peak Thunder era. Every transition dunk or Dort steal was met with thunderous roars, pushing OKC through every momentum swing.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates With 31 Points
Shai was the engine once again, finishing with 31 points on 50% shooting, alongside 7 assists and 6 rebounds. He controlled the tempo and hit clutch shots late to keep OKC ahead.
More than just the stat line, Shai’s confidence has become contagious. He’s evolving into a playoff killer right before our eyes.
Shai’s Efficiency Under Pressure
From elbow pull-ups to driving layups, Shai made the right reads all night. His calmness in high-pressure moments has become his signature.
Leadership Beyond the Box Score
Whether orchestrating plays or motivating teammates during timeouts, Shai’s presence guided every possession.
Thunder’s Role Players Shine Bright
Jalen Williams dropped 18, Holmgren added 14, and Hartenstein controlled the paint with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Caruso contributed 13 off the bench while Dort added 12 with stellar defense.
This is what playoff teams need—production from every corner of the roster.
Caruso’s Playmaking Sparks Runs
Caruso made crucial decisions late in the shot clock, including backdoor passes and timely threes to stop Denver runs.
Hartenstein’s Paint Presence Disrupts Jokic
Even against Jokic’s 44-point night, Hartenstein provided resistance that altered Denver’s offensive flow.
Jokic’s 44-Point Game Falls Short
Nikola Jokic delivered a masterclass: 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Still, he received little support from his teammates, and fatigue showed in the final frame.
Despite dominating early, Denver collapsed in the fourth quarter, scoring just 19 points.
Denver’s Isolation Offense Stalls
Without movement or spacing, Jokic was forced to take contested shots or make risky passes as OKC defenders swarmed.
Jamal Murray and Porter Jr Fade Under Pressure
Murray’s 28 and MPJ’s 2 points weren’t enough. Neither could break OKC’s defensive shell late in the game.
Defensive Execution Wins the Game for OKC
Thunder finished with 6 blocks and 7 steals. Their rotations were crisp, closeouts aggressive, and second efforts relentless. Defense was the true MVP of Game 5.
Even when out-rebounded, OKC made up for it by forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into fast-break points.
Thunder Win the Physicality Battle
OKC shot 50% from the field, while holding Denver to 41.2%. More than just stats, it was their physicality in the paint and perimeter that stood out.
Dort’s Impact Goes Beyond the Stat Sheet
Dort hounded every perimeter player, altered shots, and stayed glued on rotations—defensive plays that don’t always show in the box score.
Conference Finals Within Reach: OKC Leads 3-2
Thunder now sit one win away from their first Western Conference Finals appearance since the Durant-Westbrook era. This moment has been years in the making, as explored in Thunder Up 2025: The Playoff Journey. Game 6 in Denver will be hostile, but OKC has the swagger and unity to finish it.
They’re young, but they’re ready. And the league is officially on notice.
Game 6: Closeout Opportunity or Pressure Test?
Game 6 could define OKC’s season—close it out, or risk a Game 7. Expect a war in Denver.
The Young Guns Are Growing Up Fast
From Shai to Jalen to Chet, the Thunder’s next-gen core is evolving under fire—and thriving.
Watch Game 5 Highlights and Full Recap
See every bucket, every stop, and every roar from Paycom Center via the official NBA Game 5 recap.
Want to ride the wave? Discover exclusive Thunder merch in our OKC Thunder apparel collection.
Thunder Merch Is Flying Off the Shelves
After each win, fan demand surges—don’t miss out on your piece of playoff history.
FAQ: Thunder Take 3-2 Series Lead
What’s the series score now?
Thunder lead the series 3-2.
Who was the top scorer in Game 5?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 31 points.
How did Denver perform in Q4?
They scored just 19 points—their lowest quarter total of the series.
When and where is Game 6?
Game 6 will be played at Ball Arena in Denver in two days.
