A Historic Night in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just win Game 2 — they made history. With a 149-106 blowout over the Denver Nuggets, OKC tied their Western Conference semifinal series 1-1 and rewrote the NBA playoff record books in the process.
Their 87-point first half shattered the league record for most points before halftime in a playoff game, previously held by the 2017 Cavaliers (86). Fittingly, Chet Holmgren — who missed crucial free throws in Game 1 — knocked down two with one second left in the second quarter to set the new mark.
That total also tied the all-time record for most points in any half of a playoff game, matching the 1978 Milwaukee Bucks — also against the Nuggets.
Dominance from the Opening Tip
The Thunder blitzed Denver early, jumping to a 45-21 lead in the first quarter while shooting a staggering 71.4% from the field — a new franchise playoff record.
From there, Oklahoma City didn’t let up. By halftime, the lead was 31. By the third quarter’s end, it ballooned to 48. The largest margin? 49 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was surgical:
-
34 points on 11-of-13 shooting
-
11-for-11 from the line
-
8 assists
-
Played just three quarters
He was one of eight Thunder players in double figures as the offense fired on all cylinders.
A highlight moment? A soaring alley-oop from SGA to Jalen Williams that stretched the lead to 78-43 and brought Paycom Center to its feet.
According to ESPN Research, OKC became the first team in NBA history with multiple 40-point wins in a single postseason — following a 51-point drubbing of Memphis in Round 1.
Denver’s Collapse and Jokic’s Quiet Night
Nikola Jokic, who had 42 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, was stifled in Game 2. He finished with:
-
17 points
-
8 rebounds
-
Fouled out late in the third quarter
Russell Westbrook led Denver with 19 points, but the defending champs were overwhelmed by OKC’s pace, precision, and depth.
Westbrook — once beloved in OKC — was booed upon entering Game 2. He received a technical foul shortly after, allowing SGA to extend the lead to 34-13 from the stripe.
What’s Next
Game 3 shifts to Denver on Friday, where the Nuggets must regroup after a humbling loss. Meanwhile, the Thunder, now brimming with confidence and momentum, will try to carry their historic form into Ball Arena.
The 2025 playoffs just found a new gear — and the Thunder lit the fuse.
