In a stunning display of dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by defeating the Denver Nuggets 149-106 in Game 2 of their playoff series, marking the largest victory margin in franchise history. This victory not only tied the series at one game apiece but also established the Thunder as the first home team to win a conference semifinal game in this postseason.
The Thunder showcased an exceptional performance, shooting 56% from the field and setting a new NBA record for the most points scored in a half during the playoffs, amassing 87 points by halftime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with an impressive 34 points, going 11-for-13 from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance further solidified his standing as a contender for the Most Valuable Player award, as he demonstrated his ability to lead his team in critical moments.
Oklahoma City established control early in the game, building a substantial 24-point lead by the end of the first quarter, which marked their best quarter in playoff history. The team’s aggressive defense was evident, with 12 steals and eight blocks, effectively stifling the Nuggets’ offensive efforts. Notably, Denver’s star Nikola Jokic struggled, finishing with just 17 points and fouling out in the third quarter.
Following the game, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of their performance, stating, “We knew what was at stake tonight. We came out desperate.” The Thunder’s victory stands out in the context of playoff history, as it is only the 23rd time since 1983 that a playoff game has been decided by at least 40 points. Historically, every previous winner in such scenarios has gone on to win the series.
On the other hand, the Nuggets faced disappointment after winning Game 1, with head coach Michael Malone admitting that their performance in Game 2 was far from satisfactory. He remarked, “They were just better. They were much, much better than us today, and that’s the score; that’s why the score is so bad.” The loss raised questions about how the Nuggets will bounce back in Game 3 as the series shifts to Denver.
Meanwhile, in a contrasting playoff series, the New York Knicks continued their surprising run by defeating the Boston Celtics, also taking a 2-0 lead in that matchup. The Knicks have impressed with their resilience, becoming the only team in the last 25 years to achieve consecutive 20-point comeback wins in playoff games. Their latest victory was marked by a fourth-quarter surge that left Celtics players and fans in disbelief, particularly given the Celtics’ inability to convert critical shots down the stretch.
The Celtics, who were favored to advance deep into the postseason, must regroup as they head to Madison Square Garden for Game 3. Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team’s stars, have faced scrutiny for their performance, particularly in the fourth quarter of both games. Tatum struggled to find his rhythm, failing to score in the final minutes of Game 2, while Brown expressed frustration over the team’s inability to close out games.
As the playoffs progress, both the Thunder and the Knicks are emerging as formidable contenders, displaying a blend of skill, determination, and strategic prowess. The series shifts to Denver and New York, respectively, with both teams aiming to capitalize on their momentum and secure crucial victories in the coming games.