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00:00Title winners and expected contenders in 2026 square off in Oklahoma City at Paycom Center
00:06as the reigning champion Thunder host the Denver Nuggets.
00:10Shea Gilgis-Alexander is back healthy, looking to repeat both as MVP and NBA champion.
00:17Three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, hoping to lead Denver to its second championship in the last four seasons.
00:28OKC still atop the West, but only a one-game lead in the loss column over San Antonio.
00:34Meanwhile, Denver in fourth in the West, battling with Houston, Minnesota, and the Lakers to stay in the top four
00:40and get home court in the first round.
00:43As we look at our starting lineups, Shea Gilgis-Alexander is back for Oklahoma City after a nine-game absence
00:50course.
00:50Last played February 3rd, making a great case for back-to-back MVP.
00:55His efficiency is what stands out north of 30, but 55 percent, and his best two-point jump shooting season
01:02in his now-getting-longer-and-storied career.
01:06Jokic was the runner-up to Gilgis-Alexander a year ago.
01:10Two seasons ago, SGA was the runner-up to Jokic's third MVP.
01:16Chet Holmgren back.
01:17He missed Oklahoma City's last game, did injury.
01:20Just about everybody missed the last game for Oklahoma City, and a loss to Detroit on Wednesday night.
01:28And Jamal Murray in the starting lineup.
01:30He will give it a go, but he's sick again.
01:32He barely played Wednesday, and their win over Boston, battling the flu.
01:49Jokic and Holmgren.
01:51And J.T. Orr will jump it up.
01:54He's joined by James Williams and Jason Goebel tonight as our officiating crew.
02:04Here's Jokic defended by Hartenstein in the opening possession.
02:07Murray comes and gets it.
02:11Jokic will try a top-of-the-key jumper.
02:13It's no good.
02:15And Holmgren tracks down the rebound.
02:23Oklahoma City 24-6 at home.
02:26Best home record in the NBA.
02:29Here's Gilgis Alexander defended by Brown with a shot clock down to six.
02:33He bounces to Hartenstein.
02:35Now, Dort, wide open three.
02:38Rattles around and out.
02:39Rebound Jokic.
02:40He sees a lot of open threes.
02:43That is where his percentage is best, the wide open ones, north of 40%.
02:49Jokic bump, count the basket off the glass.
02:51And a three-point opportunity for Nikola Jokic.
02:55Well, his coach likes to say he's the greatest touch shooter in history.
03:00Well, this is one where you're absorbing contact and your touch matters.
03:04Because you are getting fouled and you don't have balance, it's all about the touch.
03:08And it's nicely kissed off the window.
03:15Jokic hits the free throw.
03:17Hartenstein committed the foul.
03:20Jokic sixth in the NBA in scoring, number one in rebounds and assists.
03:30Here's Gilgis Alexander driving baseline on Brown.
03:35In and out on the shot attempt.
03:36Hartenstein tracks down the offensive rebound.
03:42Gilgis Alexander finds Hartenstein for the slam.
03:46You can see how often Shea is going to draw that second defender.
03:49And that's where his improved passing playmaking matters.
03:53That's beautifully thread between two defenders.
03:59Strother making his ninth start.
04:01That is a career high.
04:02Jokic and a late whistle by James Williams.
04:05But another Oklahoma City foul.
04:07Well, let's watch Shea.
04:08A level of physicality brought.
04:10There comes the second defender.
04:11He knows it's the big.
04:12Therefore, his target is the big.
04:15So, Isaiah Hartenstein, who has such a good feel, not only as a passer, but slipping into those open spots.
04:22Just such a good feel.
04:24And there's the guy to deliver it for you.
04:27Bow is on Case and Wallace.
04:29It was in the act of shooting.
04:31And Jokic with all four for Denver.
04:37No player has ever led the league in both rebounding and assists.
04:41And Jokic on pace to do it this year.
04:43He's got a good feel.
04:55Gilgis Alexander blows past Brown.
04:57Got deep and gets the lay-in for his first field goal.
05:00So, he started his runway long.
05:03You can see Brown is trying to play him with a level of physicality.
05:07But he just attacks right off the catch.
05:09Jokic on the deep drive.
05:11and good defense Hartenstein got the block shot clock down to seven
05:19Brown will try a three that's good boy just it was a little bit of a struggle
05:24for him coming back off that injury but the more he plays you can see the
05:29confidence growing Holmgren on the baseline double goes up it's short
05:42couple of dunks early on for Hartenstein Jokic has four to top Denver two and a
05:48half minutes in Jokic going at the chest of Hartenstein doubled his shot is short
05:56and Hartenstein clears it boy with the double big lineup those defensive
06:01rebounds much more secure for OKC going to be an illegal screen I believe
06:05outside no now a technical foul on Shea Gilgis Alexander he thought he was
06:10pushed by Jokic Jokic knocked down Holmgren or Hartenstein to the ground and
06:15that's what the personal foul was but then the technical called on Shea
06:20Gilgis Alexander
06:26but Gilgis Alexander saying he was reacting but you can't throw the ball
06:32off another player and Jason Gold to tease him up he's frustrated by the level of
06:36contact he thinks he gets from Jokic but you're 100% right like they'll take a look
06:43to look to see about the dead ball contact right now there is a technical
06:48foul been assessed to OKC we will see if there's anything else unsported
06:54you think they're looking at that left arm of Jokic well also to the bump from
06:58Jokic came after the whistle so are they going to saying that that should be a
07:01technical foul as well because it's post whistle content we always talk about the
07:07calmness the stillness the lack of emotion from Shea so this here folks look at
07:16that that is very unshade Gilgis Alexander life like whatever Jokic did really made
07:25him angry
07:28it's only the sixth career technical for Shea Gilgis Alexander to your point about
07:35getting him to that level where now he hasn't played in four weeks I'm sure he's
07:40anxious to get on the court and compete right his team five and four without him
07:46but that lead is dwindling in the West it's go time you got 22 games left in the season
07:52yeah and Dave we were talking to David Adelman and Mark Degno before the game and one of the
07:58things Mark said was how pivotal that series against Denver was said we went into that
08:05series knowing that Murray then you'll catch an Aaron Gordon those guys are
08:10champions and that seven game series win for us was huge not only from a
08:17confidence and because we advanced to the NBA finals but because of the kind of
08:21respect we have determined that after the whistle blew the contact by the Joker is
08:26marginal and does not rise to the level of unsportsmanlike
08:29SGA throws the ball that is an unsporting like act
08:32the technical foul on SGA that'll be one shot for Denver and we will go back to the point of
08:39interruption
08:40Oklahoma City ball set up
08:42first of all props to James Williams for calling him the Joker
08:47on the microphone there I mean sticking with SGA as well I mean not number 20 number two in blue
08:56or 15 for the road team but he went past the names and the nicknames
09:01so just on Gildas Alexander nothing on Jokic was not even committed a technical all season by the way
09:09and you see the emotion from Shea and again folks cannot emphasize enough this
09:14guy's whole demeanor is very cool very even keeled so maybe what you're talking
09:22about little shoes getting back in a lineup for the first time since February 3rd
09:26and Murray missed the free throw
09:29Jamal Murray is an 88% foul shooter
09:40a less than three minutes in and again off ball Nikola Jokic is saying let's play but again the official
09:48Jason Goble before he handed the ball to Wallace inbound
09:52didn't like the level of physicality between Jokic and Hardenstein Wallace on the drive flips it up and in
09:58that's good to see because he has elevated his game so the fact that he's thinking attack off the catch
10:05I love that
10:05Brown at the elbow
10:08out to Strother all of Oklahoma City's points have come in the paint
10:14Denver has won three
10:15Jokic long two no good
10:18coming off a game where he took 17 jump shots
10:22started this game out a couple jump shots
10:25Gilgis Alexander misses boarded by Murray
10:31Murray racing up the floor blocked by Hartenstein
10:34who's played very well early on on both ends of the court
10:38Gilgis Alexander to the line the three around and out rebound Jokic
10:48Murray on the dribble handoff they swing it to the corner Cam Johnson three
10:58Seen a lot of rim outs here in the first four minutes both teams
11:03Holmgren up top the screen from Hartenstein
11:05Test three is good
11:06And this is the beauty of Hartenstein
11:08You can use him as a facilitator either in handoffs or at the elbow with the backdoor cuts
11:17Thunder by four four minutes and fifteen seconds in
11:22Murray trying to get free from Wallace
11:24Jokic gives it up on the no look Johnson pays it off answering Holmgren's three with one of his own
11:35Cam Johnson playing his eighth game back after missing about six weeks due to injury
11:42Brown down floor and he gets it to fall and his foul
11:48So a three point chance for Brown
11:50It's a little annoyed at the way the foul occurs because I think he felt it was dangerous
11:55But this guy is a floor runner we talk about bigs rim running
12:01Christian Brown puts an extraordinary amount of pressure on the opponent's transition defense
12:07And nobody better facilitating that than Nikola Jokic
12:10Second assist for Jokic second foul on Kayson Wallace
12:17Brown playing just his 24th game of the season been hurt most of the year
12:21Can't complete the three point play
12:25Denver just two for five at the free throw line
12:30You'll just Alexander one of five start
12:34From the floor Holmgren spinning
12:37Got Cam Johnson off his feet and draws the foul
12:40Come on
12:41How good is this move?
12:43I mean listen you know with the double big you move him to the four
12:47Which means he's more face-up guy
12:50And the agility the footwork the bounce off the bounce game
12:55I mean you're shaking and baking
12:57A little up fake
12:58That is nicely done
13:01That's some game right there
13:04And he's an all-star this year having his best season misses badly in the free throw though
13:10So SGA is going to get a little break
13:13And Wiggins checks in
13:18That's our Saturday primetime game there which you just saw a second ago on ABC the Lakers and Warriors
13:24And there it is Shaq Ernie Charles and Kenny
13:27Will be on before and after inside the NBA after the game
13:34Dave McMenamin describing the Lakers after their latest losses of team and disarray
13:40Got a short turnaround to get right
13:43They've lost three in a row
13:47Both misses did not look good from Holmgren at the free throw line
13:50What's going on at the foul line?
13:52Jokic gets a good look
13:54Can't hit it though
13:56There's something slick on those rims
13:58Every ball that hits the rim spins around and comes out
14:01We're joking of course
14:02One point lead for Denver midway through the opening quarter here in Oklahoma City
14:08Thunder 5 of 11 shooting Denver 4 of 11
14:11Timer down to six Dort working against Murray
14:16Wiggins off the screen to the foul line with one and he gets the floor
14:21Quick outlet to Brown and stolen by Wallace who leads the NBA and steals
14:28Hard screen from Hartenstein
14:30Wallace though unable to knock down the three
14:32I'm not sure before the recent stretch of play that he even thinks about taking that shot
14:36Well Strother tried to draw the charge instead turned it over
14:40Two on three Wiggins missed it
14:42A lot of contact underneath
14:44Wow that's a lot of battling
14:46Now Wiggins nails Jokic in the backcourt
14:48And a foul on Wiggins
14:50I mean Jokic and Dort were tied up locked up exchanging blows
14:55And then Jokic comes up the floor and engages Wiggins
14:58You want to think the emotions are high and this game doesn't matter
15:01He's looking at Jokic
15:04And James Williams and the crew going to have to get this under control
15:09They are not they're letting a lot go
15:12At least on that possession on both ends
15:14You see the battle between Jokic and Dort and watch Wiggins here at the end
15:18Dort was obviously holding his jersey
15:20Jokic trying to break free a lot of emotion
15:25With the Spurs trying to make it 12 straight wins as they face the Knicks at 1 Eastern
15:29Then it's Denver hosting Minnesota
15:31Ernie, Jalen, Charles and Shaq get a start at 1230 Eastern time
15:36Boy the Garden will be absolutely electric
15:39With Wembe coming in on a 12 game winning streak
15:43That place is going to be on fire
15:47San Antonio just a game back in the loss column of Oklahoma City for the number one spot in the
15:52west
15:53Very chippy opening six minutes here in Oklahoma City
15:58Jokic has already committed a foul
16:00He has four points four rebounds two assists
16:02Jamal Murray drains a deep one
16:05And that's his first field goal a three pointer
16:07He does not look great
16:10But Jamal Murray is a gamer
16:12He'll want to play but he is still battling through that injury
16:15I mean that illness
16:16Here's Holmgren on the drive attacking and throwing it away
16:20Brown read that assumed it was going to the corner in Wiggins and picked it off
16:24Trailer three from Jokic in and out again
16:31Jokic over two from three
16:33And a double dribble back-to-back turnovers by Oklahoma City
16:37The first ones of the game for the Thunder
16:39Denver ball
16:43Tonight's first quarter replays are brought to you by Blueham
16:45Nicole's advisor Nicole at Blueham from AC.com
16:50Nikola Jokic took only nine shots in the first meeting
16:54He's attempted seven already but he's only made one
16:58As a team Denver shooting just 35% but a two-point lead on the road
17:04Wiggins on the baseline throws it away to Murray and now a foul on Dort
17:12First on Dort
17:14So it's Jamal Murray working one-on-one on the offensive end
17:18He's got Alex Caruso on him the crossover gets Alex
17:23In retreat and he is impressed with himself with that three-point shot
17:31Over the limit now Oklahoma City and so Murray at the free-throw line
17:35Denver just two for five
17:39Murray having a career year scoring assist field goal percentage
17:48Tim Hardaway junior checking in Isaiah Joe is in as well Joe had to leave the Detroit game after just
17:5414 minutes when he got banged up but he's good to go tonight
17:58But it feels like these two teams have spent much of the season battling a variety of different players with
18:05a variety of different injuries
18:07Some lengthy some pretty quick but no continuity
18:11Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson two starters for Denver still up
18:16Here's Wiggins for three
18:18Jalen Williams is still out for Oklahoma City as is AJ Mitchell
18:22He started a lot of games and
18:26And a key player for the Thunder Brown from straight on three is off the heel rebound Joe
18:37Joe working with Holmgren on the perimeter
18:42Wallace trying to go baseline puts on the brakes comes up short batted by Brown track down Murray
18:51Hardaway tries a three got it Tim Hardaway junior with the three leads the NBA in bench threes
18:58Yeah, his scoring has been massive in Denver's ability to beat teams without Jokic
19:02It was Hardaway and Murray doing a lot of heavy lifting
19:06Two fouls now on Jokic
19:098-0 run though by
19:11His Nuggets
19:12And Jamal Murray gonna work here with
19:16Same hardaway jr. Isaiah Joe just a step-step slow to challenge
19:26And J will and Jokic have to be separated again by Jason goble
19:32Now earlier it was jokic and hartenstein
19:35They had to break up Jalen Williams just checked into the game
19:37Well, I'll tell you, two MVP candidates who are typically unemotional, you're seeing emotion from Shea and Jokic.
19:47We talked with Chet Holmgren before the game, and I think he probably echoed the sentiments of all the players,
19:53and that game seven from last year in the Western Conference semis, it's etched in everyone's minds.
19:59It was a huge moment for not only Oklahoma City getting as far as it has with this group all
20:06the way to the championship,
20:06but a Denver team had thought it was good enough to get back and win another title last year.
20:11And this was their first time on the floor since that loss.
20:15Those are painful if you're a championship-caliber team as this Denver team is.
20:22Jalen Williams commits the foul, his first, and Brown back to the line.
20:27Denver just five of eight at the line, but an eight-point lead.
20:37And Mark Begnau over there has given Goebel an earful.
20:43There's a high level of intensity in this building tonight.
20:49Here's Joe, takes the mid-range jumper.
20:52It's no good.
20:53Jokic with his fifth rebound.
20:55The lead is nine for Denver at the three-minute mark here in the first quarter.
21:03And Brown stepped out of bounds.
21:05Stepped out of bounds.
21:06Who's passing?
21:16Oklahoma City has not scored in more than three minutes.
21:19Gilgis Alexander started the game, played the first five minutes, and then went to the bench.
21:25And since he went to the bench, the Thunder have not been able really to get it going.
21:29And Caruso with another miss.
21:33Thunder one of six from three.
21:37Murray driving, working on Caruso.
21:42Jokic on the face-up.
21:44Chest-to-chest with Williams.
21:46And Banks in the shot.
21:48Thought he was fouled again.
21:49I thought Williams did a good job making him play through his chest.
21:53I like the non-whistle.
21:55Six points for Jokic.
21:57Three ball not there for Joe.
22:03Oklahoma City is the number four scoring team in the league at 119 points per game.
22:09Denver's number one.
22:10But a poor offensive start at home for the Thunder.
22:14Brown's three is good.
22:15And a timeout by Oklahoma City.
22:17Denver leads by 14.
22:19They've scored the last 15.
22:32We know this from playing them.
22:34In transition, it's got to be the right time.
22:37They're blitzing the ball.
22:39They take care of it out there.
22:40Play well, man.
22:42Keep going.
22:42Keep going.
22:45They are playing well.
22:47It's a 15-0 run.
22:48SGA went out of the game.
22:51After playing five minutes, OKC scored the first two points.
22:55And then Denver scored the next 15.
22:57And so that basket right there by Gilgis Alexander.
23:00Welcome back to the game, Shea.
23:04He is two for six from the floor in his first game since early February.
23:09Out with an abdominal strain.
23:11And an offensive foul on Brown for pushing off his first.
23:16So Shea Gilgis Alexander comes in and gets a much-needed bucket.
23:20And any time you allow him to turn the corner, he's matched up against the big.
23:23That subtle head fake to lift Cameron Johnson in a dead sprint.
23:28And this is the physicality that gets Bruce Brown called for a foul on the offensive end.
23:34Got a kickball on the other end.
23:38But Jason Goble has been busy.
23:40He spent 13 years as a Miami police officer before becoming an official.
23:46And he's got a lot on his plate in terms of trying to keep the peace here tonight.
23:50There's been a level of physicality from both teams that's reflective of the respect in the Western Conference
23:56and potential meetings in the future.
24:00It's as if one team is thinking of the other.
24:03You're going to have to go through us in the postseason.
24:06Regardless of the round, as Jokic gets the rebound off the Wiggins miss.
24:11Johnson in transition to the corner and Hardaway, he'll pop from there and hit.
24:14Another three.
24:15I just can't say enough about the lift he gives them and the particular lift from three.
24:22Most made threes off the bench this year.
24:24You talked about it.
24:25Points are good.
24:26And Shea can get it going.
24:28And he's got back-to-back buckets.
24:3113-point lead, though, for Denver inside a minute to go here in the opening quarter in Oklahoma City.
24:36The second of four meetings between these two teams.
24:39Touched last by Joe.
24:40It'll stay with Denver.
24:47So, another opportunity for Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
24:50Folks, that baseline 12- to 15-footer, that's money.
24:54That is a spot he will pound you to death with two-point jumpers.
24:59From the right and the left.
25:06Inbound to Hardaway.
25:08And now Jokic, who's got eight rebounds already in the first quarter.
25:13Hardaway, another catch and shoot.
25:15He's got three threes in the opening quarter.
25:18And Jokic gets his third assist.
25:2216-point Denver lead.
25:25SGA puts it on the deck, leans in, draws the foul.
25:29Spencer Jones just checked in a second ago and immediately is called for the foul.
25:34First trip to the line for Gilgis-Alexander tonight.
25:37We talk all the time about shooters.
25:39Can you catch high, keep high?
25:40Can you get it off quickly?
25:42Because the speed of rotation from Oklahoma City is always on point.
25:46From catch to release, it better be quick.
25:50Let's check in with Katie.
25:52Well, guys, Mark Dagnall told us that Shea Gilgis-Alexander is on a soft minutes restriction.
25:56They don't put a defined number on it.
25:59He's not going to play 38 minutes tonight.
26:00They don't want to overdo it.
26:02And Dagnall said regardless of how Shea plays tonight, his body of work speaks for itself.
26:07They're just happy to have the reigning MVP back, especially as things tighten up in the West, guys.
26:11Yeah, and a little slow start, but this last run here, he's looked sharper, played seven minutes, has eight points.
26:19And six here in the last minute and 40 seconds.
26:27His 50th game of the season, he can only miss six more or he will not be eligible for postseason
26:33awards.
26:34Murray missed the first time.
26:36Jalen Williams comes over on the second try by Murray.
26:39Murray, and now SGA with it, 10 seconds to go in the quarter.
26:46Timer at four.
26:47They double and force the pass to the corner.
26:49Wiggins three.
26:51And Oklahoma City goes one for eight from three.
26:5532% overall from the floor.
26:58And trails it home by 14 after one.
27:14We're on the sidelines here with Christian Brown.
27:17Christian, chippy first quarter.
27:18You guys got a lot of history.
27:19How do you balance playing with passion while also not letting it become a distraction?
27:23Yeah, I mean, it's a big game.
27:24Obviously, we've seen a lot of each other.
27:25It's always a fun matchup for us.
27:27But we've got to stay locked in, you know, to our game plan and do what we did again.
27:29You hold him to just 19 first quarter points.
27:32What did you like about the defensive execution?
27:33I thought it was good early.
27:34I thought our physicality was good early.
27:35But Shea got going at the end, so we've got to do a better job of, you know, kind of
27:39containing him.
27:39Thanks, Christian.
27:40Of course, thank you.
27:40Dave.
27:42All right, Katie.
27:43Brown hit 10 points to lead all scores as Valanchunas and Dort get tied up.
27:48Katie also asked about the defense from Denver.
27:50It's just the second time this year that the Thunder fails to score 20 in the first quarter.
27:55Well, this is following up a Denver defensive effort against the Boston Celtics, where you hold them below 90.
28:02And, yes, Boston was exhausted from the road trip.
28:05They were back-to-back.
28:06But it seems to me David Adelman has got this team with a renewed focus on physicality, point-of-attack
28:14defense, and just, honestly, better effort.
28:16We know that their offense is good enough to come out of the West.
28:19But, as David Adelman said, the defense has got to come along with us.
28:24Those 84 points against Boston, the fewest allowed by Denver in almost five years.
28:31Brown has it tipped out of bounds.
28:33It's going to stay with Denver, eight to shoot.
28:37And David Adelman reminded us that since the All-Star break, yes, it's a snap shot, four games.
28:43They are the number one rated defense in the NBA.
28:47Hardaway blocked by Giltas Alexander.
28:55That's the fourth block for the Thunder already.
28:58And SGA is so good from the mid-range.
29:01He's up to ten points.
29:02And I think he knows his team is struggling to put points on the board.
29:05So, he's being, listen, he's always uber-aggressive.
29:08But recognizing the moment, he's attacking the game.
29:12Balanchun is spinning, fall away off the front rim, no.
29:16And I think he hurt his elbow.
29:17He's coming up the floor.
29:18He grabbed it and winced.
29:20We'll keep an eye on it.
29:21Giltas Alexander again from mid-range.
29:24He's got the last ten points now for the Thunder.
29:26And they're back within ten.
29:29That is absolutely brilliant.
29:31And it's not, I mean, listen, he's shooting a great two-point percentage.
29:34He is drawing the best defender nightly.
29:37He shoots 55% from the floor on the year, a career high.
29:42Balanchunis gets it to go after Jay Will falls down.
29:48But Giltas Alexander has a chance, Dores, to be just the second player ever to go 55% from the
29:54floor, 40 from three and 90 from the line.
29:56And Joe's three swishes through.
29:59And Oklahoma City already, in two minutes' time, cut the deficit to seven.
30:06Isaiah Joe, their most dangerous shooter, Dave.
30:12Now check that 35-26, a nine-point deficit, but a turnover.
30:17SGA racing up the court.
30:18Takes it himself and gets the layup.
30:20He's got 14 and 12 of the last 15 for Oklahoma City.
30:29Well, Shake, Giltas, Alexander doing it on both ends.
30:33That mid-range game is pure.
30:35I don't care if it's the side of the floor, the middle of the floor.
30:39Elbow line extended, doesn't matter.
30:42Shake, Giltas, Alexander almost single-handedly got him back in this.
30:50Let's hear it.
30:53Reigning MVP, Shake, Giltas, Alexander has played the last four minutes and 24 seconds.
30:58In that period of time, he scored 12 points.
31:01He's five for five from the floor.
31:03And a 14-point deficit is now just a seven-point deficit.
31:13Shot clock down to five.
31:15Alan Chunas working on Jalen Williams.
31:19With one on the timer, puts up an air ball, so it's a 24-second violation.
31:24OKC, the number one defense in the NBA.
31:27And it's almost universal, right?
31:30I mean, number one in points off turnovers.
31:32Number one in half-court opponents' point for possession.
31:37That defense by Jalen Williams gives you a little indication why.
31:41Jared McCain misses the three.
31:45McCain was acquired at the deadline from Philly, playing just his ninth game with his new team.
31:51A turnover on back-to-back possessions by Denver.
31:55Touch pass, McCain puts it on the floor.
31:58Williams, nice fake.
32:00Now Dort for a three.
32:02Got it!
32:04And that goes from a near-certain layup to a steal to a bucket.
32:10That's a big swing, all based on hustle and smart play from McCain.
32:15It was a Denver 16-point lead late in the first.
32:19Three and a half minutes into the second, it's down to four.
32:22Jokic has been on the bench now for an extended period of time.
32:26Here's Murray, just one for five on the floor, lost the ball,
32:30and turnovers on three straight possessions for Denver.
32:34Giojas Alexander races down court, misses the layup.
32:38Batted around into the hands of Jokic.
32:42Three-pointer from Hardaway, and it's good.
32:45Everything is falling for Hardaway.
32:47He is four of four from three.
32:49It's been that kind of year for the young man.
32:51Career high in percentage from three.
32:54That's just good touch.
32:56Made 165 now on the season.
33:00He's made 200 or more four times in his career.
33:03Jalen Williams answers, and then stares down Hardaway after he makes the triple.
33:08He is playing such good basketball right now.
33:12Both ends of the floor working extremely diligently on post D,
33:16and that three ball, he has just been great.
33:20The offense is picked up for both teams here now, and a foul.
33:25Going to be called on McCain.
33:30So, you know you're a shooter when you get this many bounces off the rim.
33:35Form is pure.
33:37It's up there softly.
33:38Bounces high.
33:39And then the other end, Mr. Williams,
33:41who's just coming off a performance of shooting where he's like,
33:45this is just how I'm rolling right now.
33:47It's true.
33:48He had 30 the other night at career high and hit five threes in that game.
33:55Balanchunas able to connect for 15 feet.
34:046-point lead for Denver.
34:07Gilgis Alexander.
34:08Gorgeous move in the lane.
34:10He's got 16 points in 12 minutes played.
34:13You know, we talk about Jokic's touch.
34:15Shea's touch is extraordinary.
34:17Left hand, right hand, mid-range, three levels.
34:23Murray, one-on-one against Dort, a first-team All-NBA defender last year.
34:28Gilgis Alexander almost got the steal.
34:30Brown with two on the shot clock.
34:32Blocked again by Gilgis Alexander.
34:36That's a second block of the game.
34:39And both coming here in the second quarter.
34:45That hit the leg of Brown.
34:496-thirty-nine to go here in the half.
35:13Well, we have a lot to get you caught up on here in Oklahoma City.
35:17Shea Gilgis Alexander's on the floor.
35:20He missed the last nine games with an abdominal strain.
35:23He played a five-minute stretch in the first quarter and had just a couple points.
35:27But here in the second quarter, he's really come alive.
35:30And a 16-point Denver lead is down to four.
35:33SGA with 16 points.
35:36Jokic has six points and nine rebounds for Denver.
35:39Jared McCain working on the free-throw line.
35:42And he knocks it down.
35:44A timeout now by Denver.
35:46It's a two-point game at the midway point of the second quarter here in Oklahoma City.
35:53The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
35:58Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
36:01And in part by Burger King.
36:03You rule.
36:07It's presented by State Farm.
36:09Denver and Oklahoma City.
36:10A two-point game day past Doris Burke and Katie George.
36:13Denver playing here for the first time since it lost game seven in the conference semifinals last year.
36:18A very trippy game here tonight.
36:20The two guys at the top of the MVP list were engaged early.
36:25It results in a technical foul against Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
36:29But there's been physicality, emotion, tough physical defense.
36:33And you get the sense these two teams know they will next meet beyond the regular season
36:40in something that will matter to somebody's journey to the NBA Finals.
36:44Because that's the level of play and intensity brought here.
36:47It's been special.
36:49SGA the reigning MVP.
36:51Jokic the runner-up.
36:52Two years ago, Jokic won his third MVP.
36:54Gilgis-Alexander was the runner-up.
36:57SGA with 16 points tonight.
36:59The Joker has eight points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
37:03And a turnover in the lane as Hartenstein lost the handle.
37:07Second of four meetings.
37:09The first came earlier this month as Holmgren blocks Strother.
37:13Bodies hit the deck.
37:15The Thunder won that game in Denver.
37:17They'll play twice more after today as Holmgren is still down.
37:22You know, Chet has been elite.
37:24In fact, the best rim protector in the game.
37:27But he is going to take a hard fall because Strother, there's contact below, and he can't quite gather himself.
37:36Foul was on Caruso as Holmgren walks it off.
37:40Brown will be at the line.
37:41First on Caruso.
37:43Second team foul.
37:46Remember, he fractured his hip last year.
37:53That only played in 32 games.
37:56Holmgren did a year ago.
37:57This is his 53rd game of this season.
38:00So, look at tonight's star match brought to you by Icy Hot.
38:03Well, as expected, Nikola Jokic has the opportunity to lead the league in assists and rebounds.
38:10It's never happened.
38:11He's been a top.
38:12And Shea has been absolutely brilliant.
38:15North of 30, north of 50 percent.
38:18The efficiency with what they are sending at him nightly in terms of defense.
38:23Nothing short of remarkable.
38:24Those two guys at the top of the MVP list for a reason.
38:29Jokic Alexander getting another breather.
38:31Will not play his normal minutes.
38:33It's his first game back after missing nine due to an abdominal strain.
38:37The Thunder went five and four in his absence.
38:39But their lead over San Antonio for the top spot in the West in the loss column is down to
38:45one as McCain connects.
38:46The Spurs have won 11 in a row.
38:49They're playing better than anybody in the NBA right now.
39:01Here's Brown for three.
39:03And rebound McCain.
39:05Tremendous ball movement on that possession, though.
39:07You take that shot.
39:12And with Detroit winning earlier tonight, Detroit stays ahead of Oklahoma City for the best overall record in the league.
39:18Holmgren able to get the handle and pulls it out.
39:21And a great play by Brown.
39:23Gets the steal and the slam.
39:26Boy, Bruce Brown and Christian Brown.
39:29The deeper the season is wearing on, Brown getting more comfortable and Christian Brown just getting healthier.
39:36Bruce Brown a big part of that 2023 championship for Denver.
39:41OKC won the title last year.
39:43Caruso was a big reason why, in part because of his defense in the series against Denver, against Jokic.
39:50He gets the layup there for his first points of tonight's game.
39:54Backdoor Brown banks it in.
39:56Jokic with his fourth assist.
39:58See what I mean about Christian Brown?
40:00There's just a bounce to his step again.
40:02The athleticism, the confidence in his body is back.
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