OKLAHOMA CITY, 28 February 2026 – The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets renewed their high-stakes rivalry on Friday night, marking Denver’s first return to the Paycom Centre since their crushing Game 7 exit in last year’s Western Conference semi-finals. In a clash between two of the West’s elite, the Thunder sought to maintain their league-best record while the Nuggets aimed to prove they remain a championship threat.
Match Recap: Thunder Host Nuggets in Friday Night Thriller
Entering the contest on 27 February 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15) held the best record in the NBA, despite a recent stretch of inconsistent play. The Denver Nuggets (37-22) arrived in Oklahoma City looking for redemption following a 125-93 blowout loss in their last meeting during the 2025 playoffs.
The game featured a marquee matchup between reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Denver faced early adversity as star guard Jamal Murray was forced to exit the game after playing fewer than eight minutes, clearly hampered by a lingering injury. Despite Murray’s absence, the Nuggets remained competitive behind Jokic’s interior dominance, while the Thunder relied on their trademark depth and transition scoring.
Head-to-Head History and Stats
The rivalry between these two franchises has intensified over the last two seasons, particularly following their seven-game playoff series in May 2025. Historically, the Thunder hold a slight edge in the regular-season series.
| Category | Oklahoma City Thunder | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Regular Season Record | 45-15 | 37-22 |
| All-Time Regular Season Wins | 108 | 96 |
| Home Record (Current Season) | 24-6 | 16-11 |
| Last Playoff Meeting | Won Series 4-3 (May 2025) | Lost Series 3-4 (May 2025) |
Key Storylines
- The MVP Race: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who won the 2025 NBA MVP, continues to lead the league’s youngest roster. His ability to close games has been the difference-maker for OKC this season.
- Denver’s Health Concerns: Jamal Murray’s early exit on Friday night raises concerns for Denver’s backcourt depth. The Nuggets have relied heavily on Nikola Jokic, who recently recorded another triple-double in a win against Boston.
- Playoff Rematch: This was the first time Denver played in Oklahoma City since the Thunder eliminated them in Game 7 of the 2025 second round. The atmosphere at Paycom Centre reflected the growing tension between these divisional rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last game between the Thunder and Nuggets?
The teams met on 27 February 2026. Prior to that, their most significant recent meeting was Game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals on 19 May 2025, which the Thunder won 125-93.
What is the current standing of both teams?
As of 28 February 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the NBA with a 45-15 record. The Denver Nuggets sit firmly in the playoff hunt with a record of 37-22.
Who is the reigning NBA MVP?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the reigning NBA MVP, having secured the award for the 2024-25 season.
How many times have the Thunder and Nuggets played each other?
The two teams have met 204 times in the regular season, with Oklahoma City holding 108 victories compared to Denver’s 96.