The Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Championship with Nikola Jokic as league MVP, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are a younger, rebuilding team with elite perimeter defense and emerging star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Nuggets currently field the more proven championship roster.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
2023 NBA Champions led by MVP Nikola Jokic with balanced scoring and offensive efficiency.
Young, rising team with elite defense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and emerging prospects.
Recent Championship Success. League MVP (2023-24). Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24). Average Points Per Game (Team). Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100). Roster Average Age. All-Star Representation (2024)
Choose the Denver Nuggets if you want to watch a proven championship-caliber team with an elite two-way centerpiece in Jokic and balanced offensive firepower. Choose the Oklahoma City Thunder if you prefer an exciting, young, defensive-minded roster with explosive perimeter talent and significant room for growth headed into future seasons.
Denver Nuggets: 27.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 113.8 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 107.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 1 (2023) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)
Denver Nuggets: 7.8 (Murray) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 37.2% | Oklahoma City Thunder: 38.1%
Denver Nuggets: $182M | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 33.6 PPG | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 PPG
Denver Nuggets: 112.8 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 110.2
Denver Nuggets: 57-25 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 56-26
Denver Nuggets: 27.8 years | Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.8
Denver Nuggets: 118.3 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.2
Denver Nuggets: 5 (all 5 years) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 of 5
Denver Nuggets: 1 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: +7.7 | Oklahoma City Thunder: +7.9
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic (MVP) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 28.4 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.4
Denver Nuggets: 37.8% | Oklahoma City Thunder: 37.2%
Denver Nuggets: Finals (2024) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 129 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 126
Denver Nuggets: Away - Denver, CO | Oklahoma City Thunder: Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Denver Nuggets: 23 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 42.9% (6-14 FG) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 50% (2-4 3P) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 90% (9-10 FT) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: +14 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: Jokic 3P (0:08 remaining) - 125-126 | Oklahoma City Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129
Denver Nuggets: 1 (2024) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 0
Denver Nuggets: 35-18 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 108.9 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 50.1% | Oklahoma City Thunder: 48.1%
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic 63.4% | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)
Denver Nuggets: 3 (2023, 2024, 2009 runner-up) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
Denver Nuggets: 29.1 PPG / 9.0 APG / 66.3% eFG% (Jokic) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA)
Denver Nuggets: 117.3 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 115.9
Denver Nuggets: 28-16 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 32-12
Denver Nuggets: $195.7M | Oklahoma City Thunder: $176.4M
Denver Nuggets: 29.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.8
Denver Nuggets: 2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 0
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 2.8 BPG
Denver Nuggets: 1 (2023) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 0
2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game
Denver Nuggets: 113.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating
Denver Nuggets: 111.6 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 1 (Nikola Jokic, 2024) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)
Denver Nuggets: 3 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 16-4 | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG
Denver Nuggets: 30.1 (Jokic) | Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A
Denver Nuggets: 29-15 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 36-8
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic 27.8 PPG | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG
Denver Nuggets: 3 (Nikola Jokic 2021, 2022, 2024) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 0
Denver Nuggets: 30.1 years | Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.3 years
Denver Nuggets: $218 million | Oklahoma City Thunder: $165 million
Denver Nuggets: 119.3 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.8
Denver Nuggets: 109.8 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2
Denver Nuggets: 28.1 (Jokic) | Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 (SGA)
Denver Nuggets: 11.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 8.1
Denver Nuggets: $184 million (in luxury tax) | Oklahoma City Thunder: $134 million ($50M under)
Denver Nuggets: 113.2 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 114.8
Denver Nuggets: 107.8 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic - 24.5 | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1
Denver Nuggets: 3 All-Stars | Oklahoma City Thunder: 2 All-Stars
Denver Nuggets: 27.3 | Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.1
Denver Nuggets: Limited (2-3) | Oklahoma City Thunder: Extensive (8+)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 36-12
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 47.1
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.4
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 8.9
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.8
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.3
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 2nd (West)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 37.9%
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 117.8
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (Western)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 All-Stars
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st seed
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 47-22
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 118.5
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 109.3
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.2 (SGA)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 0
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 4
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 6 seasons
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Never
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 48-52
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 115.2
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 57-16
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 10.9 (SGA)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 10+ (Holmgren)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 110 points
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Led 52-46 at halftime
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 46.2
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (West)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: -5.5 (leading)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 65-17
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 3
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 40-12
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: +10.6
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (projected)
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 47-15
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 99%
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: +400
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: $163M
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 36.2%
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 52-30
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: +9.5
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 9
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: $145.8M
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 32-10
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 38.1%
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: +8.9
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st Seed
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 38-8
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 112.4
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1
Denver Nuggets: N/A | Oklahoma City Thunder: 37.2%
How to choose between Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder
Compare Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets. Contains 132 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets.
Who is the better team right now in 2024?
The Denver Nuggets have a slight edge based on championship experience and MVP-caliber star power with Nikola Jokic. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder are nearly equivalent in regular season performance (57-25 vs 56-26) and lead in defensive efficiency (105.2 vs 107.8). The Nuggets remain favorites for immediate playoff success due to championship pedigree.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have superior long-term potential. Their roster averages 24.1 years old compared to Denver's 27.3, they possess 8+ first-round draft picks for roster flexibility, and their young core (SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren) is still in development. The Nuggets' aging roster may face sustainability challenges beyond 2025.
Oklahoma City has the superior defense, allowing 105.2 points per 100 possessions (league-leading) versus Denver's 107.8. The Thunder hold opponents to 110.8 PPG on the season, featuring elite perimeter defenders like SGA and Lu Dort. Denver's defense ranks in the middle tier despite strong individual defenders, suggesting scheme or depth issues.
Denver has more balanced star depth with Jokic (24.5 PPG), Jamal Murray (21.4 PPG), and Kristaps Porzingis (20.1 PPG). Oklahoma City relies more heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG), though they have emerging contributors. Denver's top-heavy roster provides more playoff reliability, while OKC's concentrated offense could face defensive adjustments.
Which team is better for fantasy basketball?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the superior fantasy asset with 30.1 PPG, elite steals, and all-around production. For overall depth, Denver offers multiple reliable scorers (Jokic, Murray, Porzingis) reducing injury risk. SGA has higher ceiling; Denver has higher floor. Choice depends on league format and risk tolerance.
How to Choose Between Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder
Recent Championship Success: Denver Nuggets has 2023 NBA Champions, while Oklahoma City Thunder has Last Finals: 2012.
League MVP (2023-24): Denver Nuggets has Nikola Jokic - 2x MVP, while Oklahoma City Thunder has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - All-Star.
Consider: Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24)
Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24): Denver Nuggets has 57-25, while Oklahoma City Thunder has 56-26.
Consider: Average Points Per Game (Team)
Average Points Per Game (Team): Denver Nuggets has 113.2 PPG, while Oklahoma City Thunder has 114.8 PPG.
Consider: Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100)
Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100): Denver Nuggets has 107.8, while Oklahoma City Thunder has 105.2.
Roster Average Age: Denver Nuggets has 27.3 years, while Oklahoma City Thunder has 24.1 years.
Consider: All-Star Representation (2024)
All-Star Representation (2024): Denver Nuggets has 3 All-Stars, while Oklahoma City Thunder has 2 All-Stars.