The essentials
Oklahoma City beat Denver 96-84 after forcing 13 second-half turnovers that led to 19 points.
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 96-84 in their home opener. Oklahoma City forced 13 second-half turnovers and scored 19 points off them. The Thunder made 11 of 43 three-point attempts, and Jalen Williams led them with 21 points. Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double.
The points off turnovers exceeded the 12-point final margin. Denver committed 22 turnovers in the game. The reporting does not break down when the second-half turnovers occurred or how the Thunder's scoring off them compared with Denver's.
Late in the game, a foul call on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against a buzzer-beating three by Nikola Jokic was overturned. The available reporting does not include an explanation of the overturn or comments from either team.
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Second-Half Turnovers Produce 19 Points in Thunder Victory
Oklahoma City's second-half ball pressure produced 13 turnovers, which the Thunder converted into 19 points. That scoring total was larger than the 12-point final margin. Denver's 22 turnovers for the game placed ball security at the center of the result, with Oklahoma City's transition and possession gains helping separate the teams.
Thunder Win Despite 11-of-43 Three-Point Shooting Night at Home
Oklahoma City made 11 of 43 three-point attempts, a total that shows the Thunder took many perimeter shots without a high make rate. Oklahoma City still won 96-84, with Jalen Williams scoring 21 points and Chet Holmgren recording a double-double. From this view, the win rested on turnovers and inside production to offset the outside shooting.