Thunder Set NBA Playoff First-Half Scoring Record Against Nuggets

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder broke the NBA playoff record for first-half points, scoring 87 against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 on Wednesday night. This impressive performance allowed the Thunder to tie the series 1-1.

The previous record of 86 points was held by the Cleveland Cavaliers, set during the NBA Finals on June 9, 2017. Thunder standout Chet Holmgren made two crucial free throws to seal the record just before halftime.

In addition to their remarkable shooting accuracy, Oklahoma City dominated the scoreboard with shooting percentages of 58.8% from the field and 94.4% from the free-throw line, hitting 17 of 18 attempts. Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 18 of his 34 points in the first half.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault credited his team’s preparation against the Nuggets’ style of play and emphasized the importance of maintaining their own identity throughout the season. “We don’t really respond to the last game,” Daigneault said. “We try to return to our baseline.”

The Thunder’s victory also marked a first in NBA history, as they became the first team to record two wins by at least 40 points in the playoffs. They crushed the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Denver interim coach David Adelman acknowledged the difficulty in competing against Oklahoma City’s high-scoring offense, noting, “It’s a team that puts people away. You’ve got to have a much better start.”

As the series progresses, the Thunder will look to utilize their momentum in Game 3, scheduled for Friday night.