Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from February 28, 2026, tell the story of a game that changed several times before Oklahoma City finally secured a 127-121 overtime victory at Paycom Center. Denver started with a strong first quarter, Oklahoma City responded before halftime, and the Thunder gradually erased the Nuggets’ advantage before taking control in overtime.
The final score alone does not explain why the game unfolded the way it did. Denver shot 42% from the field, made 18 three-pointers, collected 51 rebounds, and received an outstanding 39-point performance from Jamal Murray. Nikola Jokic added 17 rebounds and 14 assists, producing the kind of all-around line that normally gives Denver an excellent chance to win.
Oklahoma City, however, had more total rebounds, more assists, more steals, fewer turnovers, and a significant advantage at the free-throw line. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points and added nine assists, while Chet Holmgren controlled the glass with 21 rebounds. Those details help explain how the Thunder survived Denver’s early advantage and eventually won the game.
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats are especially interesting because both teams received major contributions from their primary stars, but their supporting production and defensive execution were different.
The game was played on February 28, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Attendance was listed at 18,203. The Thunder entered the contest with a 46-15 record, while Denver was 37-23.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring showed just how competitive the game became:
| Quarter | Denver Nuggets | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 1st | 33 | 19 |
| 2nd | 26 | 31 |
| 3rd | 24 | 27 |
| 4th | 24 | 30 |
| Overtime | 14 | 20 |
| Final | 121 | 127 |
Denver’s 14-point overtime period was productive, but Oklahoma City scored 20. That six-point overtime margin was enough to turn a tied late-game situation into a Thunder victory.
The complete box score can be reviewed through the ESPN box score.
Final Score and Game Context
The 127-121 result was not a straightforward Oklahoma City victory.
Denver opened the game by scoring 33 points in the first quarter while holding Oklahoma City to only 19. That 14-point opening advantage suggested that the Nuggets had found an early offensive rhythm and were comfortable attacking the Thunder’s defense.
Oklahoma City answered immediately in the second quarter.
The Thunder scored 31 points while Denver managed 26, cutting the deficit by five. The third quarter followed a similar pattern. Oklahoma City scored 27 compared with Denver’s 24.
By the fourth quarter, the Thunder had completely changed the complexion of the game. Oklahoma City scored 30 points, while Denver scored 24. The result was a 115-115 tie after regulation.
That forced overtime.
In the extra period, Oklahoma City’s offense produced 20 points. Denver managed 14.
The final margin of six points therefore does not accurately describe the entire game. Denver controlled the opening quarter, while Oklahoma City gradually built momentum over the remaining periods.
That is one reason individual statistics need to be viewed alongside team statistics.
Jamal Murray’s 39-Point Performance
Jamal Murray was Denver’s leading scorer with 39 points, making him one of the central figures in the game.
A 39-point performance is significant in any NBA game, but its importance becomes even clearer when considered alongside the rest of Denver’s offensive production.
Denver finished with 121 points. Murray’s 39 accounted for roughly one-third of the team’s scoring.
His performance gave Denver the perimeter scoring needed to complement Nikola Jokic’s interior playmaking. Murray’s ability to create shots also helped Denver remain competitive after Oklahoma City had erased the Nuggets’ early lead.
However, the final result demonstrates an important lesson about high-scoring individual performances.
A player can produce an elite scoring night without his team winning.
Murray’s scoring was excellent, but Oklahoma City generated more balance across several statistical categories. The Thunder finished with 29 assists, 14 steals, 10 blocks, and 56 rebounds. Denver had 27 assists, 10 steals, six blocks, and 51 rebounds.
Murray’s scoring kept Denver in the game, but Oklahoma City’s collective defensive and possession-based advantages ultimately mattered more.
Nikola Jokic’s Complete Statistical Impact
Nikola Jokic produced one of the most complete individual statistical performances in the matchup.
He finished with:
- 17 rebounds
- 14 assists
- A +15 plus/minus
- A major role in Denver’s half-court offense
- A leading role on the defensive glass
Jokic’s 17 rebounds were the most for Denver, while his 14 assists were also a team high.
This is important because Jokic’s value in a game like this cannot be measured only through scoring.
His playmaking creates opportunities for teammates. His rebounding ends defensive possessions and creates additional offensive chances. His presence also allows Denver to play through the center position rather than depending entirely on guard-driven offense.
The +15 plus/minus is another interesting piece of the box score.
Denver lost the game by six points, yet Jokic finished with a positive 15. That suggests the Nuggets were particularly effective during his minutes, while the overall team result was influenced by what happened during other stretches.
This is why plus/minus should not be treated as a standalone measure of individual quality. It is most useful when combined with scoring, rebounding, assists, turnovers, shooting efficiency, and lineup context.
Jokic’s statistical profile suggests that he was not simply scoring or facilitating. He was influencing several areas simultaneously.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Oklahoma City
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 36 points and nine assists.
His scoring production was crucial because the Thunder needed to recover from a 14-point first-quarter deficit.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive responsibility was not limited to scoring. His nine assists demonstrate his role as a primary creator, and his +16 plus/minus was the best among Oklahoma City’s listed starters.
That combination is particularly meaningful.
He was involved in creating offense, converting scoring opportunities, and helping Oklahoma City control the game while he was on the court.
The Thunder’s ability to turn an early deficit into an overtime win required a player capable of maintaining offensive pressure throughout the game. Gilgeous-Alexander provided that stability.
His 36 points also came in a game where Oklahoma City had to match Denver’s elite offensive talent. Denver had two players producing at an extremely high level, so Oklahoma City needed its own primary scorer to remain aggressive.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered that role.
Chet Holmgren Controls the Rebounding Battle
Chet Holmgren’s 21 rebounds were one of the most important numbers in the entire box score.
Oklahoma City finished with 56 total rebounds compared with Denver’s 51. Holmgren’s contribution was a major reason the Thunder maintained an advantage on the glass.
Rebounding can appear secondary when a game features players scoring in the 30s, but it directly affects possession volume.
An offensive rebound can create another scoring opportunity. A defensive rebound can prevent the opponent from getting a second chance.
Holmgren’s 21 rebounds therefore had value beyond the raw number.
The Thunder finished with eight offensive rebounds and 48 defensive rebounds. Denver had 11 offensive rebounds and 40 defensive rebounds.
That comparison reveals an interesting distinction.
Denver actually had more offensive rebounds, but Oklahoma City dominated the defensive rebounding total. The Thunder secured 48 defensive rebounds compared with Denver’s 40.
That helped Oklahoma City finish possessions more consistently and limited Denver’s ability to extend possessions after missed shots.
Denver’s Starting Lineup Performance
Denver started Cameron Johnson, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther.
The group produced different levels of statistical impact.
Cameron Johnson
Johnson’s listed plus/minus was -25, the lowest among Denver’s starting players.
That number should not be interpreted as proof that he individually caused the defeat. Plus/minus reflects the team’s scoring margin while a player is on the floor and can be influenced by lineup combinations, opponent matchups, shooting variance, and game circumstances.
Still, the -25 figure stands out because Denver lost by only six.
It indicates that the stretches involving Johnson were particularly difficult for the Nuggets from a team scoring perspective.
Nikola Jokic
Jokic was the statistical anchor.
His 17 rebounds and 14 assists demonstrate his influence across multiple areas, while his +15 plus/minus indicates that Denver performed strongly during his minutes.
Jamal Murray
Murray’s 39 points made him Denver’s leading scorer.
His +5 plus/minus was also positive despite the overall loss, indicating that Denver’s performance was better than the final score might suggest during his minutes.
Christian Braun
Braun finished with a +12 plus/minus.
That was the second-best figure among Denver’s starters behind Jokic’s +15. His contribution illustrates why box-score analysis should not focus exclusively on points.
Julian Strawther
Strawther finished with a +4 plus/minus, giving Denver another starter with a positive figure.
The variation among Denver’s starters shows that the game was not simply a matter of the starting unit failing. Instead, different lineup combinations produced very different results.
Oklahoma City’s Starting Lineup
The Thunder started Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Cason Wallace.
The starting group combined scoring, size, perimeter defense, and playmaking.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein’s plus/minus was -3.
Although that figure was slightly negative, his presence provided Oklahoma City with additional size and rebounding support alongside Holmgren.
Chet Holmgren
Holmgren’s 21 rebounds made him the most important rebounder in the game.
His +6 plus/minus also indicates that Oklahoma City maintained a positive scoring margin during his minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points and nine assists.
His +16 plus/minus was the strongest among the listed Oklahoma City players and reflected his overall impact on the winning effort.
Luguentz Dort
Dort finished with a +7 plus/minus.
His value in a matchup involving elite offensive players extends beyond conventional scoring totals. Defensive pressure and physical perimeter play can alter how opposing stars reach their preferred spots.
Cason Wallace
Wallace finished with a -10 plus/minus.
That figure is notable because the Thunder still won the game. It reinforces the point that individual plus/minus should be interpreted within lineup context rather than used as a simple player ranking.
Team Shooting Comparison
The shooting numbers provide another explanation for the final result.
Denver went:
- 43-for-103 from the field
- 18-for-48 from three-point range
- 17-for-22 at the free-throw line
Oklahoma City went:
- 46-for-99 from the field
- 12-for-35 from three-point range
- 23-for-27 at the free-throw line
Denver made six more three-pointers than Oklahoma City.
That is significant.
The Nuggets converted 18 three-pointers compared with 12 for the Thunder, giving Denver a clear advantage from long range.
Yet Oklahoma City made three more field goals overall and six more free throws.
This illustrates how different scoring methods can balance each other.
Denver’s perimeter shooting generated substantial value, but Oklahoma City’s superior overall field-goal percentage and free-throw production helped offset the difference.
The Thunder shot 46% from the field compared with Denver’s 42%.
That four-percentage-point advantage may appear modest, but over 99 and 103 attempts, it represents a meaningful difference in made shots.
The Free-Throw Difference
Free throws were another important part of the result.
Denver made 17 of 22 attempts, an impressive 77%.
Oklahoma City made 23 of 27, or 85%.
The Thunder therefore made six more free throws than Denver.
Six points from the free-throw line alone match the final margin of victory.
That does not mean free throws were the only reason Oklahoma City won. They were not. But the comparison demonstrates how small advantages accumulate in a six-point game.
Denver’s three-point advantage was significant, but Oklahoma City’s free-throw advantage moved in the opposite direction.
The Thunder also made three more total field goals.
When those factors are combined, Oklahoma City’s scoring profile becomes easier to understand.
Rebounding Battle
Oklahoma City won the overall rebounding battle 56-51.
That five-rebound advantage was not enormous, but it mattered.
Denver had 11 offensive rebounds, while Oklahoma City had eight. That means Denver actually generated more second-chance opportunities from its own misses.
However, Oklahoma City collected 48 defensive rebounds compared with Denver’s 40.
That eight-rebound difference on the defensive glass helped the Thunder close possessions.
The most striking individual number was Holmgren’s 21 rebounds.
Jokic had 17, meaning the two teams’ leading rebounders accounted for 38 combined rebounds.
That is a remarkable portion of the game’s total rebounding activity and shows how central the frontcourt battle was.
Assists and Ball Movement
Oklahoma City finished with 29 assists, while Denver had 27.
The two teams were therefore relatively close in overall passing production.
The difference was not a massive playmaking gap.
Instead, the distinction came from how the assists interacted with scoring, turnovers, and shooting.
Jokic’s 14 assists represented more than half of Denver’s team total. That demonstrates how heavily Denver’s offensive creation depended on him.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s nine assists represented a major portion of Oklahoma City’s total as well.
Both teams therefore relied heavily on their stars to create opportunities.
The difference was that Oklahoma City also finished with fewer turnovers.
Turnover Battle
Denver committed 17 turnovers.
Oklahoma City committed 12.
That five-turnover difference is important.
Turnovers remove offensive possessions and can also create transition opportunities for the opponent.
Oklahoma City’s ability to protect the ball better than Denver helped the Thunder maximize their available possessions.
When a game goes into overtime, possession efficiency becomes even more important.
Every additional possession can create a scoring opportunity, while every lost possession becomes more costly.
Denver’s 17 turnovers therefore stand out as one of the clearest areas where the Nuggets could have improved.
Steals and Defensive Activity
The Thunder recorded 14 steals compared with Denver’s 10.
That four-steal advantage fits with the broader turnover story.
Oklahoma City not only committed fewer turnovers, but it also recorded more steals.
This combination suggests stronger ball-pressure results from the Thunder’s defense.
The defensive statistics were also strong in other areas.
Oklahoma City recorded 10 blocks compared with Denver’s six.
That gave the Thunder a four-block advantage.
Combined with the steals, the defensive numbers show that Oklahoma City generated more disruptive plays.
This was especially important against a Denver offense capable of producing efficient possessions through Jokic’s passing.
Why Denver Lost Despite Strong Star Performances
One of the most interesting aspects of this matchup is that Denver received exceptional individual production from its two biggest statistical contributors.
Murray scored 39.
Jokic collected 17 rebounds and 14 assists.
Denver also made 18 three-pointers.
Yet the Nuggets lost.
The explanation becomes clearer when several categories are considered together.
Oklahoma City had:
- A 56-51 rebounding advantage
- A 29-27 assist advantage
- A 14-10 steals advantage
- A 10-6 blocks advantage
- A 12-17 turnover advantage
- A 23-17 free-throw advantage
- A 46%-42% field-goal advantage
Denver had:
- More three-pointers, 18 compared with 12
- More offensive rebounds, 11 compared with eight
- A stronger three-point percentage, 38% compared with 34%
The Thunder therefore won several of the possession and efficiency categories even though Denver had the superior three-point output.
That is the central statistical explanation for the result.
Why Oklahoma City Won the Game
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats point toward a fairly clear conclusion.
Oklahoma City won because it combined star-level scoring with stronger possession management.
Gilgeous-Alexander produced 36 points and nine assists.
Holmgren collected 21 rebounds.
The team shot 46% from the field.
It made 23 free throws.
It committed only 12 turnovers.
It recorded 14 steals and 10 blocks.
Those numbers show a team that won in multiple ways.
Denver’s offense was explosive enough to stay in the contest, particularly because of Murray and Jokic. But Oklahoma City’s defensive activity and ball security gave it enough advantages to overcome Denver’s three-point shooting.
The overtime period then amplified those differences.
The Importance of the Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter was the turning point before overtime.
Oklahoma City scored 30 points.
Denver scored 24.
That six-point difference erased the remaining advantage and created the 115-115 tie.
The Thunder’s ability to maintain offensive production late was crucial.
Denver had already scored 33 points in the first quarter, so its offense clearly had the ability to attack Oklahoma City successfully.
The problem was maintaining that level throughout the game.
Oklahoma City gradually increased its scoring output after the opening period:
19 points in the first quarter, 31 in the second, 27 in the third, and 30 in the fourth.
That pattern shows a team that adjusted as the game progressed.
Overtime Decided the Final Margin
Overtime provided the final separation.
Denver scored 14 points, which would normally represent a strong five-minute offensive period.
Oklahoma City scored 20.
That six-point advantage exactly matched the final margin.
The overtime numbers also highlight the value of late-game execution.
Once a game reaches overtime, previous advantages matter less than the ability to execute under pressure.
Oklahoma City created enough offense to produce 20 points and prevented Denver from matching that pace.
The result was a 127-121 victory.
What the Plus/Minus Numbers Tell Us
Plus/minus is one of the most frequently misunderstood statistics in basketball.
It measures the team’s point differential while a player is on the court.
It does not measure only what that player personally did.
In this game, the numbers offer useful context.
For Denver:
- Cameron Johnson: -25
- Nikola Jokic: +15
- Jamal Murray: +5
- Christian Braun: +12
- Julian Strawther: +4
For Oklahoma City:
- Isaiah Hartenstein: -3
- Chet Holmgren: +6
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: +16
- Luguentz Dort: +7
- Cason Wallace: -10
Jokic’s +15 and Gilgeous-Alexander’s +16 were particularly notable.
Both players were major contributors while their teams were controlling the scoreboard.
At the same time, Cameron Johnson’s -25 and Wallace’s -10 demonstrate why plus/minus must be interpreted carefully.
A player can have a negative plus/minus while still contributing useful skills, and a positive plus/minus does not automatically mean that player individually outperformed everyone else.
Bench Impact
The bench statistics are also important because overtime games often expose weaknesses in secondary lineups.
Denver’s listed bench included Zeke Nnaji, Spencer Jones, Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, DaRon Holmes II, Jalen Pickett, and KJ Simpson.
Oklahoma City’s listed bench included Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Jared McCain, Buddy Boeheim, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic.
The available data identifies several players who did not enter the game.
For Denver, DaRon Holmes II, Jalen Pickett, and KJ Simpson were listed as DNP due to the coach’s decision.
For Oklahoma City, Buddy Boeheim, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic were listed as DNP due to the coach’s decision.
This is relevant because rotations can become more important as a game moves into overtime.
Coaches must decide which players can maintain defensive reliability, spacing, ball security, and offensive creation when fatigue increases.
What the Game Says About Denver
Denver’s statistics suggest that the Nuggets had enough offensive quality to beat Oklahoma City.
Scoring 121 points on the road is strong.
Making 18 three-pointers is strong.
Getting 39 points from Murray and a 17-rebound, 14-assist performance from Jokic is also strong.
The biggest concerns were possession management and overall defensive disruption.
Denver’s 17 turnovers were five more than Oklahoma City’s total.
The Nuggets also had fewer steals and blocks.
That combination gave the Thunder additional opportunities to control the game.
Denver did enough offensively to force overtime, but it did not do enough defensively and with ball security to finish the game.
What the Game Says About Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s performance showed why a team can overcome an early double-digit deficit.
The Thunder did not panic after the first quarter.
Instead, they steadily reduced the deficit.
Their defense created 14 steals and 10 blocks.
Their offense shot 46% overall.
Their free-throw shooting was 85%.
They protected the ball better than Denver.
Holmgren controlled the boards, while Gilgeous-Alexander provided primary scoring and playmaking.
That balance is the most important takeaway.
The Thunder did not depend on one statistical category.
They won through a combination of shooting efficiency, rebounding, defensive disruption, ball security, and late-game scoring.
Key Player Matchups
Nikola Jokic vs. Chet Holmgren
This was arguably the most interesting frontcourt statistical battle.
Jokic produced 17 rebounds and 14 assists.
Holmgren collected 21 rebounds.
Their numbers show two very different approaches to influencing the game.
Jokic’s greatest statistical impact came through playmaking and rebounding.
Holmgren’s standout contribution was controlling the glass and providing defensive length.
Jamal Murray vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Murray scored 39 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points and added nine assists.
Murray won the raw scoring battle by three points.
Gilgeous-Alexander, however, contributed more directly as a primary playmaker and finished with the stronger plus/minus.
The matchup therefore cannot be reduced to who scored more.
Both guards delivered elite offensive production, but their teams needed different forms of contribution from them.
Three-Point Shooting Changed the Shape of the Game
Denver’s 18 three-pointers were a major reason the Nuggets stayed competitive.
The Nuggets attempted 48 three-pointers and made 18.
Oklahoma City attempted 35 and made 12.
That gave Denver six more made threes.
A six-three advantage is substantial.
It helped compensate for Oklahoma City’s better field-goal percentage and free-throw production.
This is a good example of why basketball games can be won through different offensive profiles.
Denver generated more of its scoring value from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma City generated more value through overall field-goal efficiency and free throws.
The Thunder’s approach proved slightly more effective over the complete game.
The Possession Battle Was Decisive
If one broad lesson can be taken from this matchup, it is that possession quality mattered as much as raw scoring.
Denver turned the ball over 17 times.
Oklahoma City turned it over 12 times.
Oklahoma City also had five more total rebounds.
Those two numbers point toward a more efficient possession profile for the Thunder.
Denver’s 18 made threes were excellent, but the Nuggets gave away too many possessions.
Oklahoma City generated more defensive events, protected the ball better, and finished more possessions with rebounds.
That combination helped produce enough opportunities to overcome Denver’s perimeter shooting.
How Fans Should Read These Player Stats
When reviewing a game like this, it is tempting to sort players by points and stop there.
That approach misses much of the story.
A better process is:
- Check the final score and quarter progression.
- Identify the leading scorers.
- Compare field-goal and three-point efficiency.
- Examine rebounds and offensive rebounds.
- Check assists and turnovers.
- Look at steals and blocks.
- Review free-throw attempts and percentage.
- Use plus/minus for additional lineup context.
- Compare how the stars performed during the game’s most important stretches.
- Look at overtime separately when applicable.
Using that process reveals why this was more than a simple scoring duel between Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander.
What the Numbers Mean for Future Matchups
A single game should not be used to make absolute predictions about future meetings.
However, this matchup provides several useful indicators.
Denver’s offensive ceiling remains extremely high when Murray is scoring efficiently and Jokic controls the game as a passer and rebounder.
Oklahoma City showed that it can absorb an early deficit and respond without abandoning its defensive identity.
The Thunder’s combination of perimeter pressure, size, rebounding, and efficient scoring creates problems for opponents that rely heavily on half-court execution.
The biggest lesson for Denver is that high-level offense must be paired with stronger possession management against Oklahoma City.
The biggest lesson for Oklahoma City is that its defensive activity and ball security can compensate for stretches of inferior three-point shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the most points in the Nuggets vs Thunder game?
Jamal Murray was Denver’s leading scorer with 39 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 36 points.
Who had the most rebounds in the game?
Chet Holmgren led all listed players with 21 rebounds. Nikola Jokic was Denver’s leading rebounder with 17.
Who had the most assists?
Nikola Jokic led the game with 14 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with nine assists.
What was the final score of Nuggets vs Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime on February 28, 2026.
Which team shot better from the field?
Oklahoma City shot 46% from the field, while Denver shot 42%.
Why did the game go to overtime?
Denver and Oklahoma City were tied 115-115 after four quarters. Oklahoma City then outscored Denver 20-14 in overtime to secure the victory.
Conclusion
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from February 28, 2026, show a game defined by contrasting strengths.
Denver had outstanding individual performances from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Murray scored 39 points, while Jokic produced 17 rebounds and 14 assists. The Nuggets also made 18 three-pointers and collected 11 offensive rebounds.
Oklahoma City answered with balanced production. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points and added nine assists, while Chet Holmgren collected 21 rebounds. The Thunder also shot 46% from the field, made 23 free throws, recorded 14 steals and 10 blocks, and committed only 12 turnovers.
The most important difference was not one superstar dramatically outperforming the other. It was the accumulation of small advantages.
Oklahoma City rebounded better overall, protected the ball better, generated more defensive plays, shot more accurately from the field, and converted more free throws. Denver’s three-point shooting and star production were enough to force overtime, but the Thunder executed better when the game reached its final stage.
For anyone studying the box score, this matchup is a useful reminder that player statistics are most meaningful when viewed as part of the larger game structure. Points explain scoring. Rebounds explain possession control. Assists reveal creation. Turnovers reveal lost opportunities. Steals and blocks show defensive disruption. Plus/minus provides additional lineup context.
Taken together, those numbers provide a much clearer explanation of how Oklahoma City turned a 14-point first-quarter deficit into a 127-121 overtime victory.
