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
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.
Compare Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
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.
Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets with 132 attributes.
Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %
Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game
2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating
Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
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.