NBA Playoffs: Thunder Dominate Nuggets in Game 2 with Stunning 87-Point First Half – A New Postseason Record!

No lead is safe in the NBA playoffs—unless you’re the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 49-point advantage. In a stunning turn of events, the Thunder crushed the Denver Nuggets 149-106, tying their series at 1-1. Now, they head to Denver for Game 3.

The game shifted early in the third quarter. When Nikola Jokić fouled out, the Thunder pulled their starters, signaling a dominant victory. Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman summed it up well: “We got punked.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star of the night, scoring 34 points on an impressive 11-for-13 shooting. He also set a record with a plus-51 rating in just 30 minutes. This performance further bolsters his MVP candidacy.

In this game, the Thunder made NBA history by scoring 87 points in the first half—the most ever for a playoff game. They started strong, leading by 11 just six minutes in. By the end of the first quarter, they were up by 24 points. They continued their momentum, showcasing a balanced offense with six players hitting double digits.

Interestingly, this season, the Thunder have been known for their explosive scoring. They previously set a record for scoring differential in the regular season, which highlights their offensive prowess.

On the other hand, Jokić struggled in Game 2 after a stellar performance in Game 1 where he scored 42 points and grabbed 22 rebounds. He managed only 17 points this time and turned the ball over six times. When he’s on the court, it’s crucial for the Nuggets to perform well, but they were outscored by 36 points during his 32 minutes in Game 2.

This playoff series reflects a broader trend in the NBA: unexpected outcomes. With teams pushing beyond traditional limits, fans witness game-changing actions almost weekly. An MLB study showed that over 60% of games this season have seen a lead change in the final minutes, illustrating how unpredictable sports can be.

As both teams prepare for their next matchup, observers are eager to see if the Nuggets can bounce back or if the Thunder will continue their striking performance. The current climate of the playoffs encourages thrilling competition, keeping fans at the edge of their seats.

For more on NBA records and player stats, you can visit NBA.com.

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Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, NBA playoffs, Nikola Jokić, NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander