OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in a must-win situation as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series. After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1, where they let a late lead slip away, the Thunder are determined to reclaim home-court advantage and keep their championship hopes alive.
The Thunder's Game 1 defeat was marked by a crucial moment involving their young star, Chet Holmgren. With the game tied at 119 and just 9.1 seconds left on the clock, Holmgren stepped to the free-throw line but missed both attempts. This opened the door for Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, who capitalized by hitting a game-winning three-pointer with only 2.8 seconds remaining. The final score left the Thunder players and fans in disbelief, as they had fought hard throughout the game.
Despite the disappointing finish, Holmgren's overall performance was solid. The 23-year-old big man contributed 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks, showcasing his potential and resilience. However, the missed free throws overshadowed his contributions. Thunder guard Jalen Williams emphasized that the loss was not solely on Holmgren, stating, "If they don’t make that 3, we win the game. There are so many factors that factor into the game. That’s not why we lost the game." Williams' comments reflect the team's collective belief in Holmgren's abilities and their commitment to supporting him through adversity.
Head coach Mark Daigneault has been vocal in his support for Holmgren, stating, "He’s the last guy I’m worried about. As a competitor, the last guy." Daigneault praised Holmgren's work ethic and determination to return to the court after missing the entire 2022-23 season due to injuries. "From the way that he’s handled the adversity of the injuries and having to work his way all the way back from that, (it’s) his combination of hunger and drive," Daigneault added. The Thunder's coaching staff is confident that Holmgren will bounce back and continue to develop as a player.
The Thunder's challenge in Game 2 will be to contain the Nuggets' superstar Nikola Jokić, who dominated the Thunder in Game 1 with an astonishing 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists. Jokić's performance was a reminder of his status as one of the league's elite players. Thunder big man Chet Holmgren acknowledged the difficulty of defending Jokić, saying, "Just understanding that a lot of what they do is predicated on him and goes through him. Just understanding we’re gonna be guarding him for 110-120 possessions… Understanding how to have the right mix of physicality and intentionality." Holmgren's length and skill will be crucial in trying to limit Jokić's impact in Game 2.
As the Thunder prepare for the pivotal matchup, they are focusing on the lessons learned from Game 1. Guard Lu Dort emphasized the importance of moving on from the missed opportunities, stating, "Chet has done a lot of stuff for us in that game to be able to be there." The Thunder players are determined to learn from their mistakes and come out stronger in Game 2.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. CT at Paycom Center. The Thunder know that a win is essential not only to even the series but also to maintain their hopes of reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the Thunder fans rally behind their team in this crucial game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a standout performer for the Thunder this season, expressed confidence in the team's ability to respond to adversity. "It should be good. It should be fun. We’re going to find out what we’re made of, what we’re really made of," he said. "No journey in life is, and we know that. (Game 1 was) a bump in the road, unexpected. No one expects to lose, especially that way, but it’s the game of life. It’s about how you respond to getting knocked down, and that’s what we’ve got to do next game."
The Thunder's focus now shifts to executing their game plan and ensuring that they support each other on the court. With the stakes higher than ever, the players understand the importance of teamwork and resilience in overcoming challenges. As they look to even the series, the Thunder are ready to fight for their playoff lives and prove that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
As the clock ticks down to Game 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to make a statement. With their backs against the wall, they know that every possession counts, and they will rely on their collective strength and determination to turn the tide against the Nuggets. The anticipation is palpable, and the Thunder are ready to rise to the occasion.
