What was frustrating for the OKC Thunder was that they lost their first game of the season against the Denver Nuggets with a score of 124-122. OKC led for nearly three quarters, but the veteran presence of center Nikola Jokic and point guard Russell Westbrook pushed them over the edge.

Denver’s overall defensive pressure as they made their run in the third quarter was what gave OKC trouble. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made mistakes he wouldn’t normally make, and overall the Thunder looked uncomfortable.

This is the first time this season that OKC has performed in this manner. Denver had them in a spot they hadn’t been, and after Denver made its run, OKC didn’t respond. Led by Jalen Williams, they kept the game close in the fourth quarter, but again they simply lacked the usual level of comfort. OKC wouldn’t go the entire season without a loss, and that was inevitable, but it could still shake the team’s confidence. It now falls on the shoulders of the Thunder squad to bounce back from their first loss.

OKC’s first step must be to remain confident. In an 82-game season, teams lose games. It wasn’t a surprise to see the Thunder lose, especially against a team as good as OKC. Still, riding high without losses and losing first can be detrimental to a team’s overall confidence. When OKC heads to Houston for the following game, a win will be crucial to maintaining that confidence.

The Thunder also need to maintain their defensive intensity. Statistically, they were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA early in the season, thanks to the energy on the ball and the general hustle of the OKC guards. Alex Caruso, Lu Dort and Cason Wallace set the tone for how hard the five on the field have to play on the defensive side of the ball, which can’t stop now that they’ve lost.

OKC wasn’t perfect on offense, shooting just 39.5% from three and 45.7% from the field. These statistics show that they are mid-table in both areas, which leaves room for improvement in both areas. They have plenty of goalscorers from the top of the squad but have yet to find the high level of intensity they need.

The loss to Denver could probably take a weight off OKC’s shoulders. Riding an undefeated winning streak to start the season could be stressful and a loss could take the pressure off them to maintain it.

The next game against the Houston Rockets will be crucial to show his ability to react. If OKC can come out victorious against the Rockets, confidence will remain high and they will be back on track.

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