

The OKC Thunder got an impressive win on Sunday, tying the second-round series 2-2. A 92-87 road win was the last thing the Nuggets expected going into the game. However, David Adelman, the Denver Interim coach, knew exactly where they lost. “We didn’t play well enough the last six minutes to win a playoff game.” At this point, the only question that remains is, have the Nuggets lost their groove?
Well, whatever happened, it was hard to watch! Jokić, one of Denver’s best, looked completely lost throughout the four quarters. After a lackluster Game 3, where he went 0-11 = on 3-pointers, one would assume this game would have marked his comeback. Yet late in Game 4, when the Nuggets were dragging, he just kept on losing possession.
And with Chet Holmgren’s defense, it seemed as if Jokić had just given up. However, both teams looked exhausted after the last match, which happened less than 48 hours after Game 3. This leaves Thunder loyals looking forward to the injury report before Game 5 to find out if their best players are going to be playing tonight. Let’s Find out.
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The Thunder power duo of Chet and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was formidable in Game 4, leaving the Nuggets almost bamboozled. Although the youngest team in the league, OKC has shown maturity. Shai, in a post-game interview, said, “We stayed the course,” when asked why he thought they won.
The 26-year-old has become the cornerstone for the OKC postseason push. Luckily, according to the latest injury report, Chet Holmgren and Shai are both fit and are set to join the team tonight. Leaving only Nikola Topic, who is still out.

via Imago
Jan 23, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
So, should Denver fans worry, with Shai and Chet returning with their floaters, fadeaway jumpers, and on-point blocking?
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to return, can the Nuggets make a comeback?
Though a comeback for the Nuggets looks unlikely, Adelman still needs to get his team’s morale up, or history may repeat itself. Though Jokić has been consistent in the regular season, he has fallen prey to the OKC defense, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. A letdown since Game 1, when he scored 42 points and had 22 rebounds, Jokic has managed just 15 assists and has a whopping 16 turnovers in the last three games.
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What’s your perspective on:
Has Nikola Jokić lost his edge, or is OKC's defense just too much for him?
Have an interesting take?
Jokić noted that the double defense of the OKC left him no space, while acknowledging the need to improve. “I need to do a better job, of course”. The Nuggets need to divide and conquer because at the moment, Nikola Jokić clearly needs more help. And with DaRon Holmes II and Hunter Tyson both being out, the starting lineup for Denver could look like:
Point Guard | Jamal Murray |
Shooting Guard | Christian Braun |
Small Forward | Michael Porter Jr. |
Power Forward | Aaron Gordon |
Center | Nikola Jokic |
Conversely, the OKC Thunder bench is all geared up with a possible starting lineup of:
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Point Guard | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
Shooting Guard | Lu Dort |
Small Forward | Jalen Williams |
Power Forward | Chet Holmgren |
Center | Isaiah Hartenstein |
So, which way will the series go from here? As we head towards Game 5, one thing is clear: the Nuggets will have a charged up OKC once again, and will need their big Serbian to deliver once again.
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"Has Nikola Jokić lost his edge, or is OKC's defense just too much for him?"