In the opening act late Saturday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder took flight. They absolutely crushed the Denver Nuggets, 149-106 in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series. With this win, the Thunder got back in the series, evening it up at one game a piece. In the process, they racked up several records including the NBA playoff record for first-half points with a jaw-dropping 87.
Right from the jump, the Thunder took control, with a 45-21 advantage after the first quarter. The team was magnificent from the floor, shooting 71.4% in that first quarter. This incredible offensive efficiency combined with a tenacious defense helped them build an overwhelming lead that the Nuggets were unable to recover from.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was impressive, leading the way with 34 points in only three quarters of action. But throughout the game, he displayed his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. He capped off the night with eight assists, 11 field goals made on 13 attempts, and 11 free throws made on 11 attempts. His performances were critical in inspiring his team to win.
Through the end of the third quarter, the Thunder were running away with a 124-76 blowout. They were very much in the driver’s seat of the match. The team erupted in the opening frame of the playoff contest, setting a franchise-best 45 points. This exciting accomplishment tied the franchise record for points in a quarter and reflected the strength of their intense offense. Oklahoma City Thunder Chet Holmgren drew lots of weekend attention after draining two free throws with one second remaining in the second quarter. His clutch performance wrapped up the team’s historic first-half accomplishment, wrote the first of the season.
As further proof of the Thunder’s offensive depth, eight players scored in double figures against New Orleans. This team effort highlighted their effectiveness to distribute the scoring balance. Gilgeous-Alexander left the crowd in awe in the second quarter with a behind-the-back lob pass to Jalen Williams. That highlight-reel play lifted Oklahoma City to an enormous 78-43 lead.
The biggest lead of the night went as high as 49 points, a testament to the Thunder’s thorough domination of the matchup. Oklahoma City put on an amazing show, a watershed moment in this young and hotly contested playoff series. In doing so, they joined the Garden party and became first home team to win a game in Round 2.
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