The Oklahoma City Thunder made history by scoring 87 points in the first half of their Game 2 playoff match against the Denver Nuggets—setting a new NBA playoff record. The previous record of 86 was held by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 Finals. Chet Holmgren, who had missed key free throws in Game 1, sank two with just a second left in the half to secure the record.
The Thunder also tied the all-time record for points in any playoff half, previously matched by Milwaukee in 1978. They ended the game with a dominant 149-106 win. Oklahoma City shot nearly 59% from the field and hit 17 of 18 free throws in the first half, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading with 18 points. All starters scored in double digits before halftime.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points and eight assists in just three quarters. This win also made the Thunder the first NBA team to win two playoff games by 40 or more points in the same postseason.
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Denver’s interim coach David Adelman said the Thunder are known for dominating games, which is why they’ve had great plus-minus stats all season. He admitted his team started poorly and must improve next time.
Game 2 was very different from Denver’s close win in Game 1 (121-119). Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said his team simply played like their usual selves and learned more about Denver after the first game.
He explained, “We don’t change based on results. Whether we win or lose, we keep the same mindset. That’s just how we play every game.”
