Thunder Focused On Back-To-Backs vs. Nuggets, Not MVP Narrative

While Oklahoma City has hosted its fair share of notable games, the Sunday matchup between the Thunder and the Nuggets stands out, writes NBA reporter Ryan Stiles of SI.com.

This is not only a matchup between the top two teams in the Western Conference, but it also marks the return of franchise legend Russell Westbrook to OKC.

The game will be broadcast on NBA on ABC in a prime noon slot, further elevating the hype. On top of that, it’s a showdown between two of the league’s brightest stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

Both players are currently neck-and-neck in the NBA MVP race, one of the most competitive in years. Jokic is aiming for his fourth MVP, while Gilgeous-Alexander is seeking his first.

Following Jokic’s historic 30-20-20 performance — the first of its kind in NBA history — the MVP race has intensified, with much of the focus turning to this pivotal back-to-back series inside the Paycom Center. While national discussions will likely center around these two individuals, the Thunder are not approaching it in the same light.

First 30-20-20 night in NBA history. Sometimes, second-round picks matter. pic.twitter.com/D7bl07fewQ

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) March 8, 2025

“The MVP race might be an outside conversation, but for us, it’s Thunder-Nuggets,” Head Coach Mark Daigneault said following practice on Saturday.

This statement aligns with the “0-0 mentality” that Daigneault has ingrained in his squad since taking over as head coach in 2020. That philosophy, which treats each game with equal significance, has been a driving force behind the Thunder’s impressive 52-11 record this season.

After practice, defensive specialist Alex Caruso addressed the media and, like Daigneault, downplayed the idea that this game should be seen as a decisive factor in the MVP race.

“You gotta carry the same weight in Game 60 that you do in Game 1 or Game 5. Those are just as important to me,” Caruso said.

When asked about how he believes Gilgeous-Alexander views this matchup, Caruso shared his teammate’s mindset.

“I think if you ask Shai, obviously he wants to play well. Star players get up for these kinds of games. But he’s said this before: he wants to win. Regardless of how he plays, if we don’t win, I don’t think it’ll mean as much,” Caruso added.

For the Thunder, the priority remains clear: winning. While the MVP race may grab the spotlight, Oklahoma City’s focus is on securing victories, regardless of the standout performances from either of the MVP candidates.