Thunder's Big Half Propels Them Past Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a Game 1 loss with a dominant 149-106 win over the Denver Nuggets, setting an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a half with 87. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points.

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a tough Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets, setting an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a half with 87 points in the first half. This impressive performance paved the way for a 149-106 victory, leveling the series at one game apiece.

After surrendering a 14-point lead in Game 1, the Thunder were determined to respond strongly and become the first home team to win a game in the second round of these playoffs. With key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder dominated the Nuggets, showcasing their talent and depth.

The Thunder's 87 points in the first half set an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a half, surpassing Cleveland's 86 against Golden State in the 2017 NBA Finals. This impressive feat also tied the record for most points in any half of a playoff game, matching Milwaukee's 87 points in the second half against Denver in 1978.

Series tied 😤 pic.twitter.com/v6CdzpBkNc

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 8, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder's dominant performance, scoring 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting and 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. He was one of eight Thunder players to reach double figures.

“We came out here desperate,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, explaining the team's determination to avoid falling behind 2-0. “That wasn't really an option for us. We did the necessary things to get a W.”

Jalen Williams chipped in 17 points to support Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominant 34 points, while Chet Holmgren added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, along with two steals and two blocked shots.

Denver's Nikola Jokić scored 17 points despite struggling with six turnovers before fouling out late in the third quarter. His impressive Game 1 performance, where he scored 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, seemed like a distant memory as Oklahoma City's defense stepped up. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook paced Denver's scoring with 19 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder's massive lead, which at one point reached as high as 49 points.