Thunder, SGA face Nuggets, Jokic in MVP semifinals showdown
Western Conference Semifinals: OKC vs. DEN
Game 1 Tip-off: 8:30pm @ Paycom Center, Oklahoma City | Broadcast: TNT
3⚡Big⚡Things⚡
Get primed and ready for the game and comment below, then follow @BrandonRahbar and @DailyThunder for live coverage.
⚡Shai vs. Jokic
The most valuable player didn't need to be excellent on offense in the opening round sweep of Memphis, as the Thunder defense and costar Jalen Williams took care of business alongside SGA. The Nuggets are a much more formidable opponent than the Grizzlies, of course. Denver has fewer options to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the presumptive MVP, than the Thunder have to counter three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (expected to finish second behind SGA this season).
On our podcast preview for Round 2, Rahbar discussed the Isaiah Hartenstein/Chet Holmgren pairing hoping to slow the Joker.
⚡Rest vs. Rust
By and large, talent and execution wins NBA playoff series. But NBA playoff series are also extremely demanding, competitive affairs. Rest is a clear competitive advantage, and the Thunder have lots of it – they're now entering their second straight playoff series having the benefit of a week off prior.
On the other hand, it's a seven-game series, and any flat play could lead to a costly Oklahoma City loss.
Darnell Mayberry (The Athletic) on OKC's attempt to stay fresh and prepared while they waited for Denver to advance in the first round: "The best way the Thunder know how to prepare is by winning the time between games. “I think we made some progress from last year to this year in terms of our process,” Daigneault said. “But we’ve done a nice job of getting ourselves ready for the series. We’ve played well in the Game 1s. I think we’ve maintained relative rhythm and sharpness as much as you can without games. So, we’ll try to replicate that and do it again this week. It’s easier said than done. The guys have to bring great focus and intentionality. We have to put a great plan out there. Hopefully, we all do that.”
On last week's podcast, Daily Thunder beatwriter Brandon Rahbar thinks Mark Daigneault will keep playing a 9-10 man rotation that keep minutes light and legs fresh throughout the Thunder roster.
