Oklahoma City Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein (55) celebrates after a basket in the first half of Game 2 in the conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass performance Wednesday night, scoring 34 points in just three quarters to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crushing 149-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This dominant win evened the Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
Thunder Make History with Record-Breaking First Half
The Thunder erupted for 87 points in the first half — the most ever scored in an NBA playoff half. This broke the previous record of 86, set by the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals. The historic moment was sealed when Chet Holmgren, seeking redemption after missing crucial free throws in Game 1, calmly sank two from the line with one second remaining before halftime.
That first-half explosion gave the Thunder a 31-point lead at the break, 87-56, and tied the record for most points in any half of a playoff game — a mark previously reached by Milwaukee in 1978.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Balanced Thunder Attack
Gilgeous-Alexander was nearly flawless, shooting 11-of-13 from the field and hitting all 11 free throws. He also dished out eight assists, anchoring a team-wide offensive outburst. Eight Thunder players scored in double digits, showcasing the squad's depth and unselfish play.
“He wasn’t just scoring,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “He created for others and punished them when they overcommitted. It was an elite performance.”
Early Momentum Sets the Tone
The Thunder jumped out to a blistering 45-21 lead by the end of the first quarter, fueled by 71.4% shooting and relentless defense. That 45-point burst set a new team record for points in a quarter during a playoff game.
Gilgeous-Alexander credited the aggressive start as key. “We came out desperate. We knew what we had to do and controlled what we could,” he said.
Nuggets Struggle to Keep Up
Denver’s offense never found its rhythm. Nikola Jokic, dominant in Game 1 with 42 points and 22 rebounds, was held to just 17 points and eight boards before fouling out late in the third. Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets with 19 points, but his return to Oklahoma City wasn’t warmly received this time.
Thunder fans booed the former star early in Game 2 after cheering him in Game 1. He picked up a technical foul shortly after entering the game, leading to a Gilgeous-Alexander free throw that widened the lead to 34-13.
A Statement Victory for the Top Seed
By the end of the third quarter, Oklahoma City held a commanding 124-76 lead. Their largest lead peaked at 49 points. With this win, they became the first home team to claim a victory in the second round of the playoffs.
“This was all about intensity,” said interim Nuggets coach David Adelman. “We got punked. They came out with purpose — we didn’t.”
Looking Ahead to Game 3
Despite the blowout loss, Denver returns home with the series tied and home-court advantage intact. But Adelman wasn’t brushing off the defeat.
“We’re not just moving past this,” he said. “We’ve got to be better, and we know that.”
Game 3 tips off Friday in Denver, where both teams will look to seize momentum in what is shaping up to be a thrilling series.
Conclusion
With records shattered and a star leading the charge, the Thunder reminded everyone why they’re the West’s top seed. Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance, combined with an all-around team effort, sent a clear message to the Nuggets — this series is far from over.
