sports
Nuggets vs Thunder 2025: Which Team Wins?
The Denver Nuggets are the defending NBA champions with Jokic as the league's best player and a proven championship core, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are a rising young team with elite defensive prowess and three future Hall-of-Famers still in their primes. The Nuggets have established winning culture but face aging concerns, while the Thunder have the longer timeline and potentially more upside.
Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Champions with a historically great MVP-caliber point guard and established winning culture.
Fans seeking a win-now team with historically great individual talent and proven championship success
Score63%
VS
Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth
Fans seeking a young, sustainable contender with elite defense and three franchise cornerstones entering their peak years
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Denver Nuggets are the defending NBA champions with Jokic as the league's best player and a proven championship core, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are a rising young team with elite defensive prowess and three future Hall-of-Famers still in their primes. The Nuggets have established winning culture but face aging concerns, while the Thunder have the longer timeline and potentially more upside.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Denver Nuggets if you prioritize proven championship experience, elite offensive firepower with Jokic, and a roster that's peaked and ready to win now despite higher costs. Choose the Oklahoma City Thunder if you value exceptional defensive discipline, long-term sustainability with younger stars (SGA, Chet, Jaylin), and a team positioned to dominate for the next 5+ years with better financial flexibility.
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Denver Nuggets
7.5/10
Oklahoma City Thunder
7.5/10
TIE — neck and neck
Choose Denver Nuggets if
Fans seeking a win-now team with historically great individual talent and proven championship success
Choose Oklahoma City Thunder if
Fans seeking a young, sustainable contender with elite defense and three franchise cornerstones entering their peak years
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Championships (Last 3 Years):✓ Denver Nuggets wins(1 (2023) vs 0)
- Defensive Rating (2024-25 Season):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(110.2 points per 100 possessions vs 112.8 points per 100 possessions)
- Offensive Rating (2024-25 Season):✓ Denver Nuggets wins(117.3 points per 100 possessions vs 115.9 points per 100 possessions)
Key Facts & Figures
101 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Denver Nuggets | Oklahoma City Thunder | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG) | 27.2 | — | — |
| Team Offensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions) | 113.8 | — | — |
| Team Defensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions) | 107.2 | — | — |
| Championships Won(titles) | 1 (2023) | — | — |
| Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)(APG) | 7.8 (Murray) | — | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 38.1% | |
| Average Team Payroll (2025-26)(Million USD) | $182M | — | — |
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG) | 33.6 PPG | N/A | — |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | N/A | 30.1 PPG | — |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 112.8 | 110.2 | |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 57-25 | 56-26 | |
| Average Team Age(years) | 27.8 years | 24.8 | |
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 118.3 | 116.2 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 (all 5 years) | 5 of 5 | |
| Championship Titles(titles) | 1 | — | — |
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 109.2 | 108.3 | |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.7 | +7.9 | |
| Bench Scoring(points per game) | 28.4 | 28.4 | |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.8% | 37.2% | |
| Final Score(points) | 129 | 126 | |
| Aaron Gordon Points(points) | 23 | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%) | 42.9% (6-14 FG) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%) | 50% (2-4 3P) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%) | 90% (9-10 FT) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating) | +14 | N/A | — |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 1 (2024) | 0 | |
| Offensive Efficiency Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 113.8 | — | — |
| Defensive Efficiency Rating(points allowed per 100 possessions) | 108.9 | — | — |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 50.1% | 48.1% | |
| Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %(%) | Nikola Jokic 63.4% | — | — |
| Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)(Finals trips) | 3 (2023, 2024, 2009 runner-up) | — | — |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 117.3 | 115.9 | |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $195.7M | $176.4M | |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 29.2 | 24.8 | |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 2 | 0 | |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | N/A | 2.8 BPG | — |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 1 (2023) | 0 | |
| 2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game(PPG) | 113.2 | — | — |
| 2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 111.6 | — | — |
| MVP Awards (Current/Recent)(MVPs) | 1 (Nikola Jokic, 2024) | — | — |
| Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)(appearances) | 3 | — | — |
| All-Star Players on Roster (2024-2025)(players) | 3 | — | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG(PPG) | 30.1 (Jokic) | — | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Nikola Jokic 27.8 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 3 (Nikola Jokic 2021, 2022, 2024) | 0 | |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 30.1 years | 24.3 years | |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $218 million | $165 million | |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 119.3 | 116.8 | |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 109.8 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 28.1 (Jokic) | 30.1 (SGA) | |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 11.2 | 8.1 | |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $184 million (in luxury tax) | $134 million ($50M under) | |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1 | 47.1 | |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | 28.4 | |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9 | 8.9 | |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 116.8 | 116.8 | |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | 28.1 (SGA) | 28.1 (SGA) | |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | 28.3 | |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | 2nd (West) | |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9% | 37.9% | |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8 | 117.8 | |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western) | 1st (Western) | |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars | 3 All-Stars | |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | 1st seed | |
| Points Per Game(points) | 118.5 | 118.5 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | 109.3 | |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | 30.2 (SGA) | |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | 4 | |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | 6 seasons | 6 seasons | |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 48-52 | 48-52 | |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 115.2 | 115.2 | |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | 10.9 (SGA) | |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | 10+ (Holmgren) | |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.2 | 46.2 | |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | -5.5 (leading) | |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.3 | 25.3 | |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | 3 | |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | 1st | |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | +10.6 | |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | |
| Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) | 1st (projected) | 1st (projected) | |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99% | 99% | |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | +400 | |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | $163M | |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 36.2% | 36.2% | |
| Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) | +9.5 | +9.5 | |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 1 | 1 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 9 | 9 | |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $145.8M | $145.8M | |
| Three-Point Shooting(percentage) | 38.1% | 38.1% | |
| Point Differential(points per game) | +8.9 | +8.9 | |
| Western Conference Seed(ranking) | 1st Seed | 1st Seed | |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | 1st seed | |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | 112.4 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 37.2% | |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | 28.3 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Oklahoma City Thunder leads
Denver Nuggets
Attribute
Oklahoma City Thunder
- 1 (2023)(winner)Championships (Last 3 Years)0
- 112.8 points per 100 possessionsDefensive Rating (2024-25 Season)110.2 points per 100 possessions(winner)
- 117.3 points per 100 possessions(winner)Offensive Rating (2024-25 Season)115.9 points per 100 possessions
- $195.7 millionPayroll (2024-25 Season)$176.4 million(winner)
- 28-16 (63.6% win rate)Win-Loss Record (through Jan 2025)32-12 (72.7% win rate)(winner)
- 28.2 yearsAverage Player Age24.8 years(winner)
- 2 (2023, 2024)(winner)NBA Finals Appearances (Last 3 Years)0
- Championships (Last 3 Years)
Denver Nuggets
1 (2023)(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
0
- Defensive Rating (2024-25 Season)
Denver Nuggets
112.8 points per 100 possessions
Oklahoma City Thunder
110.2 points per 100 possessions(winner)
- Offensive Rating (2024-25 Season)
Denver Nuggets
117.3 points per 100 possessions(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
115.9 points per 100 possessions
- Payroll (2024-25 Season)
Denver Nuggets
$195.7 million
Oklahoma City Thunder
$176.4 million(winner)
- Win-Loss Record (through Jan 2025)
Denver Nuggets
28-16 (63.6% win rate)
Oklahoma City Thunder
32-12 (72.7% win rate)(winner)
- Average Player Age
Denver Nuggets
28.2 years
Oklahoma City Thunder
24.8 years(winner)
- NBA Finals Appearances (Last 3 Years)
Denver Nuggets
2 (2023, 2024)(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
0
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Denver Nuggets | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG) | 27.2 | — |
| Kawhi Leonard Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG) | N/A | — |
| Team Offensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions) | 113.8 | — |
| Team Defensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions) | 107.2 | — |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.7 | +7.9(winner) |
| Championships Won(titles) | 1 (2023) | — |
| Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)(APG) | 7.8 (Murray) | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 38.1%(winner) |
| Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%) | 42.9% (6-14 FG) | N/A |
| Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%) | 50% (2-4 3P) | N/A |
| Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%) | 90% (9-10 FT) | N/A |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 50.1%(winner) | 48.1% |
Show 2 more attributesThree-Point Percentage (team)(percent) 36.2% — Team 3-Point Percentage(%) 37.2% — | ||
| Average Team Payroll (2025-26)(Million USD) | $182M | — |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $145.8M | — |
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG) | 33.6 PPG | N/A |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | N/A | 30.1 PPG |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 112.8 | 110.2(winner) |
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 109.2 | 108.3(winner) |
| Defensive Efficiency Rating(points allowed per 100 possessions) | 108.9 | — |
| 2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 111.6 | — |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9 | — |
Show 1 more attributePoints Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) 105.2 — | ||
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 57-25(winner) | 56-26 |
| Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses) | 57-16 | — |
| Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses) | 47-15 | — |
| Average Team Age(years) | 27.8 years | 24.8(winner) |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 29.2 | 24.8(winner) |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.3 | — |
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 118.3(winner) | 116.2 |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.8%(winner) | 37.2% |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 117.3(winner) | 115.9 |
| 2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game(PPG) | 113.2 | — |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | — |
Show 2 more attributesPoints Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) 116.8 — Three-Point Shooting(percentage) 38.1% — | ||
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 (all 5 years) | 5 of 5 |
| Championship Titles(titles) | 1 | — |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 1 (2024)(winner) | 0 |
| Star Player (Primary) | Nikola Jokic (MVP) | — |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | — |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | — |
| Bench Scoring(points per game) | 28.4 | 28.4 |
| Most Recent Playoff Round | Finals (2024) | — |
| Last Conference Finals Appearance(year) | Never | — |
| Final Score(points) | 129(winner) | 126 |
| Location | Away - Denver, CO | Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Aaron Gordon Points(points) | 23 | N/A |
| Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating) | +14 | N/A |
| Game-Winning Play | Jokic 3P (0:08 remaining) - 125-126 | Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129 |
| 2024-25 Regular Season Record(wins-losses) | 35-18 | — |
| Current Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses) | 28-16 | 32-12(winner) |
| Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses) | 47-22 | — |
| Wins-Losses Record (2025-26)(W-L) | 65-17 | — |
| Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season) | 40-12 | — |
Show 3 more attributesWestern Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) 1st (projected) — 2025-26 Regular Season Record(wins-losses) 52-30 — Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) +9.5 — | ||
| Offensive Efficiency Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 113.8 | — |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8 | — |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %(%) | Nikola Jokic 63.4% | — |
| Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)(Finals trips) | 3 (2023, 2024, 2009 runner-up) | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)(PPG / APG / eFG%) | 29.1 PPG / 9.0 APG / 66.3% eFG% (Jokic)(winner) | 30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA) |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | — |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $195.7M | $176.4M(winner) |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 2(winner) | 0 |
| Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)(appearances) | 3 | — |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | N/A | 2.8 BPG |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 1 (2023)(winner) | 0 |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 3 (Nikola Jokic 2021, 2022, 2024)(winner) | 0 |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 1 | — |
| MVP Awards (Current/Recent)(MVPs) | 1 (Nikola Jokic, 2024) | — |
| 2024 Playoff Series Record(wins-losses) | 16-4 | — |
| All-Star Players on Roster (2024-2025)(players) | 3 | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG(PPG) | 30.1 (Jokic) | — |
| 2024-25 Regular Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 29-15 | 36-8(winner) |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Nikola Jokic 27.8 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG(winner) |
| Leading Scorer(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | — |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 30.1 years | 24.3 years(winner) |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $218 million | $165 million(winner) |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 119.3(winner) | 116.8 |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 109.8 | 105.2(winner) |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 28.1 (Jokic) | 30.1 (SGA)(winner) |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 11.2(winner) | 8.1 |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | — |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $184 million (in luxury tax)(winner) | $134 million ($50M under) |
| Win-Loss Record(W-L) | 36-12 | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | — |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1 | — |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.2 | — |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | 28.1 (SGA) | — |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | — |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western) | — |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | — |
| Conference Standing(Seed/Rank) | 1st (West) | — |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | — |
Show 2 more attributesPoint Differential(points per game) +8.9 — Western Conference Seed(ranking) 1st Seed — | ||
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9% | — |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars | — |
| Points Per Game(points) | 118.5 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | — |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | — |
| Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite) | — |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | 6 seasons | — |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 48-52 | — |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 115.2 | — |
| Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score) | 110 points | — |
| Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin) | Led 52-46 at halftime | — |
| Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players) | Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack | — |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | — |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | — |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99% | — |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | — |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 9 | — |
| Wins-Losses Record(W-L) | 32-10 | — |
| Regular Season Wins-Losses | 38-8 | — |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | — |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | — |
Denver NuggetsOklahoma City ThunderNikola Jokic Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)
27.2
—
Kawhi Leonard Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)
N/A
—
Team Offensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions)
113.8
—
Team Defensive Rating (2025-26)(Points per 100 possessions)
107.2
—
Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions)
+7.7
+7.9
Championships Won(titles)
1 (2023)
—
Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)(APG)
7.8 (Murray)
—
Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%)
37.2%
38.1%
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)
42.9% (6-14 FG)
N/A
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)
50% (2-4 3P)
N/A
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)
90% (9-10 FT)
N/A
Field Goal Percentage(%)
50.1%
48.1%
Show 2 more attributes
Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent)
36.2%
—
Team 3-Point Percentage(%)
37.2%
—
Average Team Payroll (2025-26)(Million USD)
$182M
—
2025-26 Payroll(USD millions)
$145.8M
—
Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)
33.6 PPG
N/A
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)
N/A
30.1 PPG
Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
112.8
110.2
Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
109.2
108.3
Defensive Efficiency Rating(points allowed per 100 possessions)
108.9
—
2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
111.6
—
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)
8.9
—
Show 1 more attribute
Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG)
105.2
—
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)
57-25
56-26
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)
57-16
—
Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses)
47-15
—
Average Team Age(years)
27.8 years
24.8
Average Roster Age(years)
29.2
24.8
Roster Average Age(years)
25.3
—
Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
118.3
116.2
Three-Point Percentage(%)
37.8%
37.2%
Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
117.3
115.9
2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game(PPG)
113.2
—
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)
28.4
—
Show 2 more attributes
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)
116.8
—
Three-Point Shooting(percentage)
38.1%
—
Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons)
5 (all 5 years)
5 of 5
Championship Titles(titles)
1
—
NBA Championship Titles(championships)
1 (2024)
0
Star Player (Primary)
Nikola Jokic (MVP)
—
Star Player PPG Average(PPG)
30.2 (SGA)
—
All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count)
3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort)
—
Bench Scoring(points per game)
28.4
28.4
Most Recent Playoff Round
Finals (2024)
—
Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)
Never
—
Final Score(points)
129
126
Location
Away - Denver, CO
Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Aaron Gordon Points(points)
23
N/A
Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)
+14
N/A
Game-Winning Play
Jokic 3P (0:08 remaining) - 125-126
Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129
2024-25 Regular Season Record(wins-losses)
35-18
—
Current Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses)
28-16
32-12
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)
47-22
—
Wins-Losses Record (2025-26)(W-L)
65-17
—
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
40-12
—
Show 3 more attributes
Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed)
1st (projected)
—
2025-26 Regular Season Record(wins-losses)
52-30
—
Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions)
+9.5
—
Offensive Efficiency Rating(points per 100 possessions)
113.8
—
Average Points Per Game(points)
117.8
—
Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG)
112.4
—
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %(%)
Nikola Jokic 63.4%
—
Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)(Finals trips)
3 (2023, 2024, 2009 runner-up)
—
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)(PPG / APG / eFG%)
29.1 PPG / 9.0 APG / 66.3% eFG% (Jokic)
30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA)
2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players)
3
—
Payroll (2024-25)(million USD)
$195.7M
$176.4M
NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances)
2
0
Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)(appearances)
3
—
Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game)
N/A
2.8 BPG
NBA Championships Won(Titles)
1 (2023)
0
MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards)
3 (Nikola Jokic 2021, 2022, 2024)
0
All-Time NBA Championships(titles)
1
—
MVP Awards (Current/Recent)(MVPs)
1 (Nikola Jokic, 2024)
—
2024 Playoff Series Record(wins-losses)
16-4
—
All-Star Players on Roster (2024-2025)(players)
3
—
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG(PPG)
30.1 (Jokic)
—
2024-25 Regular Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses)
29-15
36-8
Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game)
Nikola Jokic 27.8 PPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG
Leading Scorer(points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
—
Core Roster Average Age(Years)
30.1 years
24.3 years
Team Payroll(USD Millions)
$218 million
$165 million
Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG)
119.3
116.8
Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions)
109.8
105.2
Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG)
28.1 (Jokic)
30.1 (SGA)
Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG)
11.2
8.1
Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)
10.9 (SGA)
—
Salary Cap Situation(USD millions)
$184 million (in luxury tax)
$134 million ($50M under)
Win-Loss Record(W-L)
36-12
—
Leading Scorer PPG(points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
—
Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)
47.1
—
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)
10+ (Holmgren)
—
Rebounds Per Game(RPG)
46.2
—
Leading Scorer Average(PPG)
28.1 (SGA)
—
Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1
—
Team Assists Per Game(APG)
28.3
—
Assists Per Game(APG)
28.3
—
Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)
2nd (West)
—
Conference Rank(position)
1st (Western)
—
Playoff Seed(seed ranking)
1st seed
—
Conference Standing(Seed/Rank)
1st (West)
—
Games Back From Playoff Position(GB)
-5.5 (leading)
—
Show 2 more attributes
Point Differential(points per game)
+8.9
—
Western Conference Seed(ranking)
1st Seed
—
3-Point Percentage(percent)
37.9%
—
All-Star Selections(players)
3 All-Stars
—
Points Per Game(points)
118.5
—
Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)
109.3
—
All-Time Championships(titles)
0
—
Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)
4
—
Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)
—
Coach Tenure(seasons)
6 seasons
—
Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)
48-52
—
Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)
115.2
—
Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)
110 points
—
Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)
Led 52-46 at halftime
—
Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)
Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack
—
Playoff Seeding(seed ranking)
1st
—
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points)
+10.6
—
Playoff Probability(percent)
99%
—
NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds)
+400
—
Payroll(USD millions)
$163M
—
Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances)
9
—
Wins-Losses Record(W-L)
32-10
—
Regular Season Wins-Losses
38-8
—
Star Player PPG(points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4
—
Western Conference Ranking(seed position)
1st seed
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Denver Nuggets
+5-3
Pros
- Nikola Jokic: 3x MVP and consensus top-3 player in NBA with all-around excellence
- Proven championship pedigree with 2 Finals appearances in 3 years
- Elite offensive rating (117.3) ranks in top 5 in NBA
- Established team chemistry and playoff experience
- Jamal Murray provides secondary ball-handling and clutch shooting
Cons
- Aging core with Murray (27), Jokic (29) entering later prime years
- High payroll ($195.7M) limits flexibility for roster upgrades
- Defensive rating (112.8) well below league elite, exposed in close playoff series
Oklahoma City Thunder
+5-3
Pros
- Best defensive rating in NBA (110.2) with elite versatile defenders in SGA and Chet Holmgren
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP-caliber perimeter player averaging 30+ PPG on elite efficiency
- Youngest core of contenders (avg age 24.8) suggests 5+ year championship window
- Lower payroll ($176.4M) provides cap flexibility for future trades/signings
- Best record in NBA (72.7% win rate) showing consistent dominance
Cons
- Zero Finals appearances means no playoff clutch experience at highest level
- Less proven depth beyond Big 3 (SGA, Chet, Jaylin Williams)
- Unproven in championship moment—first-round exit in 2024 playoffs
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best odds according to major sportsbooks (around +800 to +900), primarily due to their elite defense, best record in the NBA, and three All-Star caliber players in their primes. The Nuggets are second favorites (+1000 to +1200) despite having the best individual player because their defense ranks 26th in the league, making them vulnerable in playoff series. Recent championship trends favor teams with elite defenses.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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