Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire as he racked up 34 points in just three quarters, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder crush the Denver Nuggets 149-106. This victory tied the Western Conference semifinal series at one game each. Oklahoma City made history by setting an NBA playoff record with 87 points in the first half, surpassing the previous record held by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. Chet Holmgren nailed two crucial free throws right before halftime, pushing the Thunder’s lead to 87-56 and breaking the record.
The Thunder’s explosive performance matched a record for points in any half of a playoff game, last seen when Milwaukee scored 87 against Denver in 1978. This game marked the first home win for a team in the second round, setting the stage for Game 3 in Denver on Friday. Gilgeous-Alexander was nearly unstoppable, making 11 out of 13 shots, hitting all his free throws, and dishing out eight assists. He was the leader among eight Thunder players who scored in double figures.
Russell Westbrook was the top scorer for the Nuggets with 19 points. Nikola Jokic, who had been a powerhouse with 42 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, was held to just 17 points and eight rebounds before fouling out late in the third quarter. The crowd showed mixed feelings for Westbrook, a former Thunder favorite, as he entered Game 1. They initially cheered but quickly turned to boos during Game 2. A technical foul on Westbrook gave Gilgeous-Alexander a free throw, making it 34-13 in favor of the Thunder.
Oklahoma City came out swinging, finishing the first quarter with a 45-21 lead, shooting an impressive 71.4% from the field. This set a new team record for points in a quarter in a playoff game. The Thunder continued to dominate in the second quarter, with a highlight being a lob from Gilgeous-Alexander to Jalen Williams for a dunk, pushing the lead to 78-43.
By the end of the third quarter, Oklahoma City was ahead 124-76. The Thunder’s biggest lead of the night reached 49 points, showcasing their dominance on the court. The Associated Press reported on this thrilling game, highlighting the Thunder’s impressive performance and the challenges faced by the Nuggets.
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