sports
Thunder vs Nuggets 2024: Stats & Comparison
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.
Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Champions led by MVP Nikola Jokic with balanced scoring and offensive efficiency.
Fans seeking immediate playoff contention and a team built around a transcendent MVP-level talent
Score71%
VS
Oklahoma City Thunder
Young, rising team with elite defense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and emerging prospects.
Basketball enthusiasts who value elite defense, young talent development, and franchises with significant upside potential
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe 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.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose 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.
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Denver Nuggets
7.4/10
Oklahoma City Thunder
7.6/10
Choose Denver Nuggets if
Fans seeking immediate playoff contention and a team built around a transcendent MVP-level talent
Choose Oklahoma City Thunder if
Best pickBasketball enthusiasts who value elite defense, young talent development, and franchises with significant upside potential
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Recent Championship Success:✓ Denver Nuggets wins(2023 NBA Champions vs Last Finals: 2012)
- League MVP (2023-24):✓ Denver Nuggets wins(Nikola Jokic - 2x MVP vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - All-Star)
- Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24):57-25 vs 56-26
Key Facts & Figures
105 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 | — | — |
| 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) | |
| Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) | 113.2 | 114.8 | |
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 possessions) | 107.8 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Nikola Jokic - 24.5 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 3 All-Stars | 2 All-Stars | |
| Roster Average Age(Years) | 27.3 | 24.1 | |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 1 (2023) | 0 | |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Limited (2-3) | Extensive (8+) | |
| 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 | |
| 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) | |
| 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
Evenly matched1 tie
Denver Nuggets
Attribute
Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2023 NBA Champions(winner)Recent Championship SuccessLast Finals: 2012
- Nikola Jokic - 2x MVP(winner)League MVP (2023-24)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - All-Star
- 57-25Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24)56-26
- 113.2 PPGAverage Points Per Game (Team)114.8 PPG(winner)
- 107.8Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100)105.2(winner)
- 27.3 yearsRoster Average Age24.1 years(winner)
- 3 All-Stars(winner)All-Star Representation (2024)2 All-Stars
- Recent Championship Success
Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Champions(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Finals: 2012
- League MVP (2023-24)
Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic - 2x MVP(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - All-Star
- Team Win-Loss Record (2023-24)
Denver Nuggets
57-25
Oklahoma City Thunder
56-26
- Average Points Per Game (Team)
Denver Nuggets
113.2 PPG
Oklahoma City Thunder
114.8 PPG(winner)
- Defensive Rating (Points Allowed Per 100)
Denver Nuggets
107.8
Oklahoma City Thunder
105.2(winner)
- Roster Average Age
Denver Nuggets
27.3 years
Oklahoma City Thunder
24.1 years(winner)
- All-Star Representation (2024)
Denver Nuggets
3 All-Stars(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
2 All-Stars
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 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 | — |
| Points 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) |
| 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 | — |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 3 All-Stars(winner) | 2 All-Stars |
| 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) |
| Roster Average Age(Years) | 27.3 | 24.1(winner) |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $218 million | $165 million(winner) |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 119.3(winner) | 116.8 |
| Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) | 113.2 | 114.8(winner) |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 109.8 | 105.2(winner) |
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 possessions) | 107.8 | 105.2(winner) |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 28.1 (Jokic) | 30.1 (SGA)(winner) |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Nikola Jokic - 24.5 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1(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) |
| 2023-24 Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 57-25(winner) | 56-26 |
| Win-Loss Record(W-L) | 36-12 | — |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 1 (2023)(winner) | 0 |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | — |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Limited (2-3) | Extensive (8+)(winner) |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — |
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 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
—
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
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
—
All-Star Selections (2024)(Players)
3 All-Stars
2 All-Stars
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
Roster Average Age(Years)
27.3
24.1
Team Payroll(USD Millions)
$218 million
$165 million
Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG)
119.3
116.8
Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG)
113.2
114.8
Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions)
109.8
105.2
Defensive Rating(Points per 100 possessions)
107.8
105.2
Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG)
28.1 (Jokic)
30.1 (SGA)
Leading Scorer Average(PPG)
Nikola Jokic - 24.5
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1
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)
2023-24 Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses)
57-25
56-26
Win-Loss Record(W-L)
36-12
—
NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships)
1 (2023)
0
All-Time Championships(titles)
0
—
Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks)
Limited (2-3)
Extensive (8+)
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
—
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
—
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
—
Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Denver Nuggets
+5-2
Pros
- Nikola Jokic is 2x league MVP with elite playmaking (9.0 APG) and scoring (24.5 PPG)
- Jamal Murray provides reliable second star with 21.4 PPG and clutch shooting
- Proven championship pedigree with Finals experience and chemistry
- Balanced offense ranked 5th in efficiency with multiple scoring options
- Strong bench production with contributors like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson
Cons
- Aging roster with limited youth development; average age of 27.3 raises sustainability concerns
- Defensive vulnerabilities exposed in close playoff series; 107.8 defensive rating ranks middle of league
Oklahoma City Thunder
+5-2
Pros
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is perennial All-Star with 30.1 PPG scoring and elite two-way defense
- League-leading defensive rating of 105.2 points per 100 possessions; holds opponents to 110.8 PPG
- Youngest playoff contender (24.1 average age) with Hassan Whiteside, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort under 25
- Offensive versatility with 114.8 PPG ranking 2nd in NBA scoring efficiency
- 8 first-round draft picks accumulated for future roster flexibility
Cons
- No playoff experience among core players; young roster unproven in high-pressure situations
- Lack of All-Star depth; only 2 All-Star selections vs Nuggets' 3, limiting star power
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
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.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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