5 takeaways from the Thunder’s Game 6 loss to the Nuggets

The Thunder came up short in Denver on Thursday, setting up a decisive Game 7 back in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Game Recap: Murray scores 25, powers Nuggets' 119-107 win over Thunder to force Game 7

Below are 5 takeaways from the Game 6 loss:

1. Denver’s Role Players Changed the Game

While Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were stellar, it was Denver’s bench, especially rookie Julian Strawther and Christian Braun that swung the game. Through the first five games of the series, Julian Strawther saw just 30 total minutes. In garbage time during a Game 2 blowout,he played 14 minutes. Zero minutes in Game 3! Braun hit open looks and didn't hesitate on his first look, allowing Chet to close. Their energy, shot-making, and timely contributions broke the game open in the second half and gave Denver the separation it needed. Both Mark Daigneault and Jalen Williams gave credit where it was due: the Nuggets’ supporting cast outplayed OKC’s.

Coach Daigneault after Game 6 loss: 'We're all looking at what we could've done better'

THUNDER COVERAGE ⚡

🏀For more OKC Thunder Playoff coverage, CLICK HERE.

2. Jalen Williams Struggles Continue

Williams had an off night shooting the ball, but both he and Daigneault emphasized that his value didn’t disappear. He defended, created for others, and stayed aggressive despite the misses. His ability to impact the floor beyond scoring is strong, but OKC will need more efficiency from him in Game 7. Williams finished just 3-for-16 from the field, scoring six points. A blown breakaway layup in the fourth summed up his frustrating night. While he contributed with 10 assists and strong defense (three steals), his shooting woes have been a recurring issue just 33% from the field and 21% from three in the series. He is shooting 32 for 94 in the series.

WATCH: Jalen Williams reflects on Game 6 loss, looks ahead to Game 7

3. Execution

The Thunder didn’t quit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the scoring load, and players like Alex Caruso brought energy late. But they struggled to execute during key stretches, particularly in the second half when Denver tightened up defensively. The looks were there OKC just didn’t knock them down, shooting 27% from three.

4. Aaron Gordon??

Late in the fourth quarter, forward Aaron Gordon appeared to tweak his hamstring while scrambling for a loose ball, briefly exiting before returning, then leaving again for good with just over a minute left.

Interim head coach David Adelman said the concern for Gordon is "high," noting his importance to the team’s postseason success. While the extent of the injury is unknown, Gordon was seen postgame without ice or a wrap. Even if he plays, look for OKC to try and take advantage.

Gordon has been a key contributor throughout the playoffs, averaging nearly 18 points per game and delivering in clutch moments, including multiple game-changing shots.

5. Playoff Lessons

Daigneault framed the loss as part of a growth process. He noted that both teams have traded punches throughout the series, and this was just Denver’s night to land more. Williams echoed the message, trust in the team remains high, and everything is still in front of them. OKC’s offensive system is predicated on ball movement and spacing, when shots don’t fall, do they have a plan B? If the threes don’t drop, especially under playoff pressure, their offensive ceiling shrinks. Playoff basketball is about learning how to win in multiple ways.

Watch the postgame show below: