Thunder Edge Nuggets in Thriller, 129-126

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's late heroics lead OKC to victory over Denver

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma City Thunder survived a close battle against the Denver Nuggets, winning 129-126 on Monday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for OKC with 35 points and 15 assists, including the game-winning shot. Jaylin Williams added 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Ajay Mitchell scored 24 points in his return. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists for the Nuggets, who also got 23 points and 10 rebounds from Aaron Gordon and 28 points from Tim Hardaway Jr.

Why it matters

This victory over a Western Conference rival keeps the Thunder in the playoff hunt, as they continue to exceed expectations this season despite being short-handed at times. The game also featured a matchup between two of the NBA's rising young stars in Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.

The details

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied Wilt Chamberlain's record for most consecutive 20-point games at 126, and he hit the game-winning shot to seal the victory for the Thunder. Jaylin Williams had a big double-double, while Ajay Mitchell provided a scoring boost in his return to the lineup. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic recorded yet another triple-double, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder's balanced attack.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The 24-year-old point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is emerging as one of the NBA's brightest young stars.

Nikola Jokic

The 28-year-old center for the Denver Nuggets, who is a two-time NBA MVP and one of the league's most dominant big men.

Jaylin Williams

The 22-year-old forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had a double-double in the win.

Ajay Mitchell

The 25-year-old guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who scored 24 points in his return to the lineup.

Aaron Gordon

The 27-year-old forward for the Denver Nuggets, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shai is just a special player. He willed us to this win tonight.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (Yahoo Sports)

“We had our chances, but Shai and the Thunder made the plays down the stretch. Give them credit.”

— Michael Malone, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets will aim to bounce back in their next game.

The takeaway

This thrilling victory showcases the Thunder's resilience and the continued development of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the NBA's premier young talents. The game also highlighted the ongoing rivalry between these two Western Conference contenders.