The 5 keys that will define the Game 7 between Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets

The moment of truth has arrived. Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets will face off tonight on this Sunday in one of those games that define an entire season and where the best players in the world must step up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic will try to lead their respective teams to the Western Conference finals.

Both teams started with the firm aspiration of achieving glory before the 2025 NBA playoffs, and during these playoffs, they are showing convincingly that they have everything it takes to do so. The series between Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets that will determine the opponent of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference final will be decided in a fifth game where there will be tactical keys decisive to tilt the balance to one side or the other.

1. Efficiency in three-point shooting

Both teams make three-point shooting a fundamental weapon, due to the attraction power their stars generate on defenses, leaving other players open. Dort, Holmgren, Gordon, or Porter Jr will be crucial in outside shooting.

2. Rebounding dominance

A key aspect to gain second-chance opportunities on offense, limit opponents' possessions on defense, and impose the ideal pace of play. The Hartenstein-Holmgren duo will have to battle with Jokic and the Nuggets' wings who are rebounding well.

3. Role of the supporting cast

It is assumed that both Shai and Jokic will shine, but the role played by other players will be very important. Murray and Williams can be decisive in the most relevant moments of the game.

4. Defensive prowess

The defensive activity will have to be frenetic from both teams. The Thunder have some more differential elements in this aspect, both in perimeter defense and paint intimidation, but the Nuggets will have to step up in that aspect and ensure good ball care to avoid turnovers.

5. Handling tense and close situations

If there's something characterizing the Nuggets in this postseason, it's their efficiency in close games, with Gordon as a big difference-maker in critical moments. Making good decisions in final possessions, if they end up tied, will be crucial.

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