Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Played His First Preseason Game: Thunder 124 – 94 Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured an impressive 124-94 preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets, marking their third win of the preseason. Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making his preseason debut with a strong 19-point performance, showcasing his all-around game with five assists and three rebounds.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder end Nuggets' win streak | Reuters

The game started competitively, with Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. putting up 12 points in the first quarter. However, the Thunder’s defense and offensive fluidity, sparked by key contributions from their young core, shifted the momentum. Jalen Williams played a crucial role in closing the gap in the second quarter, while rookie Ajay Mitchell and defensive specialist Lu Dort extended the Thunder’s lead in the third.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Oct 15, 2024 Play-by-Play | NBA.com

Isaiah Joe’s sharpshooting off the bench added 14 points, hitting four three-pointers, while Alex Caruso’s defensive playmaking energized the team. By the fourth quarter, with a comfortable lead, OKC emptied their bench and gave valuable minutes to their younger players, including Dillon Jones and Ousmane Dieng, who contributed to stretching the Thunder’s lead.

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This win solidified the Thunder’s growing reputation as a well-rounded team with depth and versatility, making them one to watch in the upcoming season.

Photos: Best images from Thunder's 124-94 preseason win over Nuggets