The second game of the series between Thunder and Nuggets was the opposite of the first one. This time, Oklahoma City left no room for doubt and won with a resounding score of 149-106, tying the Western semifinal 1-1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the great figure in a night where the home team not only dominated, but also wrote its name in the history of the NBA playoffs.
Shai Leads With Authority And Efficiency
From the start of the game, Gilgeous-Alexander set the pace with his usual calm precision. He scored 34 points in just three quarters of play, hitting 11 of 13 field attempts and not missing any of his 11 free throws. In addition to his scoring effectiveness, he dished out 8 assists and maintained control of the offense at all times.
His performance was not a solitary effort. Around him, the rest of the team responded collectively. Seven more Thunder players reached double digits in points, which speaks of a fluid offensive game with good ball movement. Every possession seemed to be worked, always looking for the best positioned teammate.
The connection between Shai and his teammates was also felt on plays like an alley-oop to Jalen Williams in the second quarter, an action that lifted the entire crowd and showed the level of confidence the team was playing with. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership was not only felt in the stats, but also in the character he showed to respond after the Game 1 loss.
First Half To Remember
Oklahoma City put together one of the best offensive halves in the history of the NBA. At halftime, they already led 87-56, setting a new record for points in a first half in playoffs. They surpassed the 86 the Cavaliers had scored in the 2017 Finals. It was a devastating offensive display, with Denver unable to find answers.
Chet Holmgren, who had been questioned for missing crucial free throws in the first game, had his moment of redemption. With one second to play in the second quarter, he made two free throws to seal the record. It was a symbolic detail that reflected the change in the team's attitude: no one was hiding, everyone wanted to contribute.
In addition to the record in the first half, the Thunder matched the best mark for points in any half of a postseason game, a figure that had only been seen before in 1978 with the Milwaukee Bucks. That first half was a perfect storm for the Oklahoma Thunder, who also shot more than 70% effective in the first quarter.
Unresponsive Nuggets
After a close win in the first meeting, Denver showed up in Oklahoma with the intention of taking control of the series. However, what they found was a much more intense defense and an opponent on fire from the first minute. Nikola Jokic, who had been unstoppable with 42 points and 22 rebounds in the previous game, was contained much more effectively this time.
The Serbian only managed 17 points and 8 rebounds, and ended up leaving due to an accumulation of fouls at the end of the third quarter. His frustration was shared by the whole team, which did not find its rhythm at any time. Denver was overcome physically and mentally, and barely showed signs of life in some stretches of the second quarter.
Russell Westbrook, who had received the crowd's affection in game one, was in the spotlight for different reasons this time around. He was assessed a technical foul after arguing with the referees, and his presence on the court failed to change the dynamic. He led the Nuggets in scoring with 19 points, but most of them came when the game was already defined.
The last stop on the way to Munich! 🏆
Will Arsenal win or will PSG go through? 🏴 🇫🇷
Don't miss this great game ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/T6BSuuAwFA
- Betcris (@Betcris) May 7, 2025
A Series That Changes Course
The impact of this win for the Thunder goes beyond the tie in the series. It is a clear message that they have the ability to dominate a team like Denver if they can maintain their focus and energy. The lead was as large as 49 points, a rare occurrence in a series so evenly matched on paper.
The crowd in Oklahoma City played its part by cheering on every play, and now the pressure shifts to the Nuggets, who will have to respond at home in the next game. The Ball Arena will host the third meeting, where a reaction is expected from the reigning champion, but the Thunder already showed they can hit hard.
The challenge for Oklahoma will be to maintain this level and not to get complacent. The series is still open, and although this win was shocking, they know that Denver has players capable of changing any game. However, if Gilgeous-Alexander continues at this level and his teammates keep up with him, the Thunder could be closer than many thought.
