Thu May 08 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Thunder Shock Nuggets, Tie Western Conference Semifinals
**Oklahoma City, OK –** The Oklahoma City Thunder stunned the Denver Nuggets with a record-breaking 149-106 victory on Wednesday night, evening their Western Conference Semifinal series at 1-1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points in just three quarters, showcasing incredible efficiency (11-of-13 field goals, 11-of-11 free throws) and adding eight assists.
The Thunder’s performance was historic. They set an NBA playoff record for first-half points with 87, eclipsing the previous mark of 86 set by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. This also tied the record for most points in any half of a playoff game, previously achieved by Milwaukee in 1978. Chet Holmgren’s two free throws with one second left in the second quarter sealed the record-breaking half.
Oklahoma City’s dominance extended beyond the record-setting half. They shot 71.4% from the field in the first quarter alone, establishing a new team playoff record for points in a single quarter. The Thunder led by as many as 49 points, completely overwhelming the top-seeded Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic, who dominated Game 1 with 42 points and 22 rebounds, was held to just 17 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out in the third quarter. Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets with 19 points, but received boos from the Oklahoma City crowd after a technical foul early in the game.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around performance, highlighting his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman acknowledged the lopsided defeat, stating that the team needs to improve significantly, despite retaining home-court advantage.
Game 3 of the series will take place Friday in Denver.
First Piper 