Game 4 Recap: Thunder's Unattractive Win Over Nuggets In NBA Playoffs

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Game 4 Recap: Thunder's Unattractive Win Over Nuggets Extends Playoff Battle

The Oklahoma City Thunder escaped with a gritty, if unspectacular, 100-95 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series. While the win keeps their postseason hopes alive, extending the series to a pivotal Game 5, the Thunder's performance left much to be desired, raising questions about their ability to consistently compete against the more polished Nuggets.

The game was a low-scoring affair, a testament to both teams' strong defenses and, perhaps, a lack of offensive firepower on display. The Thunder, despite the win, struggled mightily from the field, shooting a dismal percentage from beyond the arc. Their victory was built on grit, determination, and a crucial defensive effort in the fourth quarter.

Thunder's Defensive Prowess Steals the Show (Barely)

While the offensive performance was underwhelming, the Thunder’s defense proved to be the difference-maker. They successfully stifled Nikola Jokic, limiting the Nuggets' star center's usual dominance, forcing turnovers and contesting shots. This defensive intensity, particularly in the final frame, proved crucial in securing the win. The Nuggets' struggles to find consistent offensive rhythm, especially in the clutch, allowed the Thunder to snatch the victory.

• Key Defensive Plays: Multiple steals and blocked shots in the final minutes disrupted the Nuggets' flow and prevented them from mounting a significant comeback.
• Jokic's Muted Performance: The Thunder's defensive strategy effectively neutralized Jokic's scoring and playmaking abilities, a critical factor in their success.

Offensive Woes Continue to Plague the Thunder

The Thunder's offensive struggles, however, remain a serious concern. Their reliance on isolated plays and a lack of consistent ball movement hampered their scoring opportunities. The low field goal percentage and poor three-point shooting highlight a need for significant offensive adjustments ahead of Game 5.

• Shooting Slump: The team's poor shooting percentage from the field and beyond the three-point line was a major talking point. Improved shooting accuracy is crucial for future success.
• Offensive Stagnation: The lack of fluid ball movement and reliance on individual heroics needs addressing to create more high-percentage scoring opportunities.

What's Next for the Thunder?

The win in Game 4 provides a crucial lifeline for the Thunder, preventing a series sweep and keeping their playoff hopes alive. However, they need a significant improvement in their offensive execution to realistically challenge the Denver Nuggets. Game 5 will be a true test of their ability to adapt and overcome their offensive shortcomings. Can they refine their game plan and unlock their scoring potential? Only time will tell. The series heads back to Denver, where the Nuggets will be eager to regain control and close out the series. The pressure is now firmly on the Thunder to deliver a more convincing performance. Their chances of advancing to the next round depend heavily on a dramatic shift in their offensive approach and continued defensive tenacity. The NBA playoffs are rarely kind to inconsistent teams. The Thunder must rise to the challenge.