Quick Read
- The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 121-111 on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver.
- Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points and added 13 assists.
- Cason Wallace achieved career-highs with 27 points and seven three-pointers for the Thunder.
- The Thunder led wire-to-wire in a dominant performance against their Western Conference rivals.
- Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, recently returned from injury, was limited to 16 points.
DENVER (Azat TV) – The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a commanding 121-111 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, February 1, 2026, marking a significant statement in their burgeoning Western Conference rivalry. The reigning NBA champions, led by stellar performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, controlled the game from start to finish at Ball Arena, delivering a performance that immediately revived discussions of a potential playoff rematch. This matchup, the first between the two teams since the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals on their way to the title, lived up to its billing, according to reporting by *USA Today* and *The Oklahoman*.
The Thunder, who had reportedly been in a ‘sleepwalking’ phase for the past month, displayed renewed intensity and focus against a team widely considered their biggest challenger. Oklahoma City scored the game’s first basket and maintained a lead throughout, despite Denver’s persistent efforts to close the gap. The Thunder ended the first quarter with a 32-26 advantage and headed into halftime with a 62-55 lead. The Nuggets, buoyed by a strong third-quarter push, narrowed the deficit to just three points, 74-71, but the Thunder responded with a decisive 22-9 run, effectively slamming the door shut and extending their lead to 101-85 by the end of the third frame.
Gilgeous-Alexander Orchestrates Thunder’s Dominance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, delivered a masterclass performance, finishing with an efficient 34 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. His ability to dissect Denver’s defense, whether through isolation scoring or playmaking, was a central factor in the Thunder’s success. He shot 11-of-16 from the field and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line, demonstrating his unparalleled scoring gravity. *USA Today* lauded his performance as ‘pure basketball dominance,’ noting that he ‘orchestrated how the game played out like John Williams in a ‘Star Wars’ film.’ Gilgeous-Alexander’s control over the game’s tempo and his demoralizing mid-range jumpers were pivotal in neutralizing any Nuggets’ comeback attempts.
Cason Wallace’s Career Night Lifts Oklahoma City Thunder
A major surprise and critical contributor was Cason Wallace, who had a career-best night with 27 points and six rebounds. The 22-year-old guard was exceptional from beyond the arc, sinking seven of his 11 three-point attempts. Wallace’s scoring explosion, particularly his 12 points in the third quarter, came at a crucial time, providing much-needed secondary scoring that complemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts. According to *USA Today*, Wallace’s performance was ‘surreal,’ as he stepped up as the ‘Robin to Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman,’ addressing recent criticisms about the Thunder’s supporting cast not carrying their weight. His defensive effort against Nuggets guard Jamal Murray also drew praise.
Nuggets’ Efforts and Jokic’s Return Impact
For the Denver Nuggets, Peyton Watson emerged as a bright spot, leading the team with 29 points and five rebounds, showcasing his scoring versatility both inside and from long range. However, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who had recently returned from a left knee bone bruise, was notably limited in his offensive impact, finishing with 16 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Jokic had only returned to the lineup on Friday after missing several weeks, opting to forgo 5-on-5 workouts to jump back into play, as reported by *WMBDRadio*. Jamal Murray also struggled to find his rhythm, contributing 12 points and 12 assists. While the Nuggets shot an impressive 49% from the field and 45.7% from three-point range, their efforts were overshadowed by the Thunder’s consistent scoring and defensive pressure.
Other key contributors for the Thunder included Chet Holmgren, who tallied 14 points, four rebounds, and three blocks, providing crucial rim protection that limited Denver’s interior scoring. Aaron Wiggins added 14 points and six rebounds, hitting key three-pointers and demonstrating his capability as a secondary scorer. The Thunder’s collective shooting efficiency, including 19-of-48 from beyond the arc and 22-of-27 from the free-throw line, underscored their balanced offensive attack.
This decisive road victory not only snapped the Thunder’s recent inconsistent run but also firmly re-established their position as a dominant force in the Western Conference. By defeating a top rival in a playoff-caliber atmosphere, Oklahoma City demonstrated its championship mettle and the depth of its talent, setting a compelling tone for future matchups this season.