Thunder Storm Back to Seize 3–2 Series Lead Over Nuggets in NBA Playoff Thriller

In a stunning Game 5 comeback, the Oklahoma City Thunder erased a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 112–107, taking a 3–2 lead in their tightly contested Western Conference playoff series.

The Thunder, led by the explosive backcourt duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, mounted a relentless fourth-quarter push after trailing by 14 points late in the third. Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points, while Williams added 22, including a clutch go-ahead layup with under a minute to play.

Denver, despite strong performances from Nikola Jokić (27 points, 11 rebounds) and Jamal Murray (24 points), faltered down the stretch as turnovers and missed free throws allowed the Thunder to capitalize.

“We stayed composed and stuck to our game,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “Our guys believed, and that belief showed tonight.”

The Paycom Center erupted as Oklahoma City closed the game on a 12–2 run, putting them one win away from their first conference finals appearance since 2016.

Game 6 heads back to Denver, where the defending champions will look to avoid elimination and force a decisive Game 7.