Charles Barkley dubs Thunder ‘team to beat’ after disposing of Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not his usual efficient self, but the Oklahoma City Thunder still hacked out the win against the Denver Nuggets, 96-84, at Paycom Center on Thursday.
Both teams did not shoot well, but the Thunder played better defense to survive the Nuggets despite Gilgeous-Alexander scoring only 17 points on 6-of-19 field goals, including 3-of-11 three-pointers.
Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 21 points and five rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 12 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks.
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After the game, Charles Barkley touted the Thunder’s defense and depth and made a confident declaration.
“They’re the best defensive team in the league. They’ve proven that for the last three or four years. They’re relentless. They’re deep. You’re gonna have to raise your level. Think about it. Your MVP did not score in the first half, really didn’t play great tonight, but J-Dub is back 100%, I thought (Isaiah) Hartenstein got a bunch of (rebounds), Holmgren also,” said Barkley on “Inside the NBA.”
“It’s just one game, but this is the team to beat in the NBA.”
"They're relentless; they're deep… This is the team to beat in the NBA."
Charles Barkley on the Thunder 🗣️
(via @ESPNNBA)
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 23, 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander snapped his 20-point streak, but it was not as important as the victory.
The Thunder rendered Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray almost useless. Jokic tallied only 13 points on 5-of-19 field goals, including 1-of-7 three-pointers, while Murray had only six points on 2-of-11 field goals. He also had six turnovers.
Before the season, numerous experts picked Oklahoma City to reclaim the title. While they lost key components in Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, the Thunder have enough two-way weapons to dominate the league and return to the NBA Finals.
They will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.