On the other side, three Thunder players topped the 40-minute mark, with star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 45 minutes. Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams, who scored a game-high 32 points, played 43 minutes. Center Chet Holmgren played 40 minutes.

Nikola Jokic, who finished Sunday's loss with a game-high 27 points on 7-of-22 shooting, 13 rebounds, three assists, four steals and two triples, spoke to reporters after the game to try and shed light on this deflating defeat.

Jamal Murray found Nikola Jokic at the top of the key, and the Nuggets center launched a leaning 3-pointer at the rim.