Nuggets Face 'Scary' Thunder in NBA Playoff Series May 5

After a dominant Game 7 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Jokic and interim coach David Adelman praised the Thunder as an aggressive, high-paced, and defensively tough opponent, highlighting the significant challenge ahead. The series also features a marquee matchup between MVP candidates Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though both players downplayed the individual MVP narrative, focusing instead on team execution. Jokic commended Gilgeous-Alexander's versatility and unguardable scoring ability, acknowledging the Thunder's impressive 68-win season and status as a formidable foe. The Nuggets will have little time to celebrate before heading to Oklahoma City for Game 1, with both teams aiming for a trip to the Western Conference Finals. The narrative centers on respect, preparation, and the collective drive to win, rather than personal accolades.