May 19, 2025 - Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder eliminate Denver Nuggets

Esteban L. Hernandez

Three basketball players battle for control of the ball. — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić handles the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder players Alex Caruso and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during a game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 13. Photo: AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Denver Nuggets from the NBA Playoffs on Sunday with a 125-93 win at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

The big picture: Oklahoma City secured a 4-3 series win against the Nuggets and will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

Why it matters: The Nuggets were bounced from the Western Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year, wasting another valuable year in superstar Nikola Jokić's prime.

It's a frustrating ending for a team that just two years ago hoisted its first NBA title.

What's next: While interim head coach David Adelman seemed poised to earn the full-time position, it will be up to the Nuggets front office to determine whether to keep him as Denver's permanent coach.

What we're watching: Which players stay — and who departs — from Denver during the offseason.

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Oklahoma City Thunder eliminate Denver Nuggets

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