On May 7, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered an electrifying performance at Paycom Center, defeating the Denver Nuggets 149-106 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals. This resounding victory ties the series at 1-1, showcasing the Thunder's explosive offensive capabilities.
The Thunder came out strong, recording a staggering 45 points in the first quarter, the most by any team in a single quarter of playoff history. With a field goal percentage of 71.4%, they dominated the opening frame, leaving the Nuggets trailing at 21-45.
Continuing their momentum into the second quarter, the Thunder maintained their aggressive play, pushing their lead to as much as 35 points. By halftime, they had scored an astounding 87 points, setting a new NBA playoff record for the most points in a half, surpassing the previous record of 86 set by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate this season, was instrumental in the Thunder's success, scoring 34 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. His performance was a key factor in the Thunder's ability to dominate the Nuggets throughout the game.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander's standout performance, several other players contributed significantly. Jalen Williams scored 17 points and provided 7 assists, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein also made an impact with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing the Thunder's depth and versatility.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace with the Thunder's relentless offense. Nikola Jokic managed to contribute 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Russell Westbrook scored 19 points and added 5 assists. Jamal Murray chipped in with 14 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder's overwhelming lead.
As the game progressed, the Thunder continued to build their lead, ending the third quarter with a commanding 124-76 advantage. They maintained their dominance in the final quarter, ultimately winning by a maximum of 49 points, a testament to their impressive performance.
This victory marks the Thunder's first home win in the series, breaking the trend of road teams winning throughout the playoffs. The Thunder's ability to bounce back after a tough Game 1 loss against the Nuggets is a promising sign as they look ahead to Game 3.
Looking forward, the series will shift to Denver for Game 3 on May 10, 2025. The Nuggets will need to regroup and find a way to halt the Thunder's momentum if they hope to regain control of the series. With the stakes high, fans can expect an intense matchup as both teams vie for supremacy in the Western Conference.
The Thunder's historic first half and overall performance have set the stage for an exciting continuation of this playoff series. With both teams now tied at one win each, the battle for the Western Conference title is far from over.
