The Athletic NBA Daily Thunder roll to Western Conference Finals
May 19, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder staged an electrifying Game 7 triumph over the Denver Nuggets, showcasing a fierce defense and clever tactics. The hosts celebrate Aaron Gordon’s gritty performance while dissecting how the Thunder cracked Denver’s zone defense. Speculations arise as they eagerly anticipate the thrilling conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting key players and strategies. Additionally, there's a nod to the WNBA with insights into rising stars and team prospects, blending basketball insights across both leagues.
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Thunder's Defensive Mastery
- The Thunder's defense was the key to their game seven victory over the Nuggets.
- Their ability to disrupt and adapt offensively led to a dominant 64 points in the paint.
Breaking the Nuggets' Zone
- Thunder confidently broke Denver's zone defense by exploiting gaps and the dunker spot.
- Tactical ball movement created scoring opportunities despite Denver's defensive strategies.
Caruso's Defensive Impact
- Alex Caruso's defensive effort was crucial, often guarding a much larger Nikola Jokic.
- His presence changed the momentum and energized the crowd and team.