Andrew Pace
On May 18th, NBA player David Jones-Garcia led San Antonio to a rout of Philadelphia, scoring 24 points in less than 19 minutes. In other news, the Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals, with Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace making the difference. Finally, NBA birthday celebrations continue for players born on May 18th, including Chicago Bulls' Merk, who averaged a career-high 19.7 points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 18, 2025 |
| Teams | Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Players | Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams |
| Outcome | Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals |
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What You'll Learn
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
On May 18, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets faced off in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semi-finals. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points and Jalen Williams' 24 points, dominated the Nuggets, winning by a score of 125-93. This victory propelled the Thunder into the Western Conference finals, their first appearance since 2016.
Oklahoma City entered the game with a league-best regular-season record of 68-14, becoming the youngest team to win at least 60 games. They faced a formidable Nuggets squad led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the deciding game. Despite a strained left hamstring, Aaron Gordon started for Denver, adding eight points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.
The Thunder fell behind by 11 points in the first quarter but mounted a comeback in the second, outscoring the Nuggets 39-20 to take a 60-46 halftime lead. Oklahoma City maintained their momentum in the second half, with Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess and a strong defensive performance contributing to their eventual 32-point victory.
The win marked a significant achievement for the Thunder franchise, as they overcame a challenging opponent in the Nuggets, who had won the NBA title just two years prior in 2023. With their victory, the Thunder advanced to the next round, where they would host the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, beginning on Tuesday.
This particular matchup between the Thunder and the Nuggets was highly anticipated, with previous encounters showcasing close contests. The Thunder and the Nuggets had split their regular-season series, with each team winning three games apiece heading into the deciding Game 7.
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Thunder's bench depth
The Oklahoma City Thunder's bench depth has been a key factor in their success in the 2024-25 NBA season. With a roster built around quality depth, the Thunder have 12 players who average at least 15 minutes, and only two players who average over 30 minutes. This approach to roster construction is relatively unconventional in the modern era of basketball, which has typically seen teams built around a star player or two.
Thunder's success has been largely attributed to their MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the team alongside a second All-Star, Jalen Williams, and talented players Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, their role players and bench production have also been instrumental in their wins. In a game against Minnesota, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace were difference-makers, with two-way abilities that will be key as the team advances to the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder's ability to deploy a variety of players and maintain a strong level of play showcases their adaptability and the importance they place on giving key players sufficient rest. This approach could help keep their star players fresh for the playoffs, where they will face tougher competition and more extended schedules.
With a well-rested and versatile roster, the Thunder have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Their success in the 2024-25 season has challenged the traditional model of building teams solely around a few star players, demonstrating that a deep and versatile roster can be a recipe for victory.
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Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace's performance
Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace were instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder's advancement to the Western Conference Finals on May 18th. Both players exhibited their two-way abilities, with Caruso and Wallace finishing the night with impressive +/- ratings of +40 and +38, respectively.
Caruso, a seasoned NBA veteran, played a pivotal role in the Thunder's success. Known for his defensive prowess, Caruso showcased his versatility by contributing on both ends of the court. Throughout his career, Caruso has established himself as a formidable competitor, winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and another with the Thunder in 2025. His performance on May 18th exemplified his value to the team, as he was a key difference-maker in their advancement.
Wallace, a rising star in the NBA, also demonstrated his exceptional talent during the game. As a consensus five-star recruit, Wallace was selected 10th overall by the Thunder in the 2023 NBA draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, contributing valuable minutes and showcasing his all-around skills. During the game, Wallace's energy and productivity were evident, as he accumulated crucial points, rebounds, and steals. His performance underscored his potential as a future NBA star.
The duo's combined efforts were pivotal in the Thunder's victory and their advancement to the Western Conference Finals. With their two-way abilities and impact on both ends of the court, Caruso and Wallace formed a dynamic partnership. Their performance showcased the depth of the Thunder's roster and their ability to rely on key players coming off the bench.
Moving forward, the Thunder will continue to depend on the talents of Caruso and Wallace as they battle for a spot in the NBA Finals. Their versatility, defensive skills, and offensive contributions will be crucial in the team's pursuit of championship glory. The performance of these two players will undoubtedly be a key factor in the Thunder's success in the remaining games of the postseason.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams' threes
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA team. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams are considered one of the greatest NBA Finals duos of all time. On May 18th, 2025, the duo hit back-to-back threes to put the Thunder up by six. This performance helped the Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams have led the Thunder to the brink of their first NBA championship. Through the first five games of the 2025 NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.4 points per game, and Williams averaged 25.8, for a combined average of 58.2 points per game. This ranks 10th all-time for the most points per game by a pair of teammates.
The pair have also joined LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as the only teammates to deliver a 40- and 30-point game in the Finals since 1980. In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in a Thunder victory over Indiana.
Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander have been working on their three-point shooting in the Thunder's training camp. Coach Mark Daigneault has encouraged Williams to shoot more threes, believing that it will create more space for the team, even if it lowers his shooting percentage.
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Head Coach Mark Daigneault's substitutions
On May 18th, Head Coach Mark Daigneault made a notable substitution during the Oklahoma City Thunder's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With nine minutes remaining in the final period and the Thunder ahead, Daigneault opted to substitute out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. This move was likely made to rest the starting players, as the Thunder had built a comfortable lead. The decision proved successful, as the Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
Daigneault's substitution strategy has been a key aspect of his coaching philosophy. He is known for his ability to effectively utilize his team's depth and make adjustments to impact the game's outcome. During his tenure with the Thunder, he has led the team to significant improvements, including a 16-win increase in the 2022-23 season. This success resulted in Daigneault being nominated for the NBA Coach of the Year Award and signing a multi-year contract extension.
One of Daigneault's notable substitution tactics involves his creative use of the rules. In a game against the Denver Nuggets, he called rookie Dillon Jones to the scorer's table but never intended to insert him into the game. This strategy aimed to slow down the inbound plays of the Nuggets' star player, Nikola Jokic. While this particular move was thwarted by the officials, it showcases Daigneault's innovative approach to substitutions.
Daigneault's substitutions are also influenced by his experience and understanding of the game. Having worked as an assistant coach under Billy Donovan for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Florida Gators, he gained valuable insights into player development and strategy. During his time with the Gators, the team excelled, achieving a record of 120-30 with three SEC titles and Elite Eight appearances. This experience contributed to his ability to make effective substitutions and manage his roster successfully.
In addition to strategic substitutions, Daigneault has a proven track record of developing players and preparing them for the NBA. During his time as head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate, he saw eight players called up to NBA rosters. This included players like Alex Caruso, who contributed to the Thunder's success in the game on May 18th. Daigneault's ability to identify and cultivate talent is evident in the impact these players have had at the NBA level.
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Frequently asked questions
The Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins were the difference makers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams also sank a pair of threes back-to-back before being subbed out.
Some notable players who played in the May 18th game include Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder played against the Denver Nuggets on May 18th, 2025.
