Thunder Erupts in Game 2 Blowout Win Over Nuggets to Tie Series 1-1
Posted 14 hours 45 minutes agoThe Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back in emphatic fashion after a heartbreaking last-second loss in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets. In Game 2, they delivered a masterclass performance, dominating from start to finish with a resounding 149-106 victory to level the series at 1-1.
This win not only evened the series but also sent a loud message across the league about OKC’s offensive firepower and team depth. The Thunder exploded out of the gate in the first quarter, racking up an astonishing 45-21 lead within the first 12 minutes.
Shooting a sizzling 71.4% from the field and 55.6% from beyond the arc, Oklahoma City showcased clinical efficiency and cohesion. Their teamwork was on full display early, notching seven assists on their first nine made field goals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and energizing the offense.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/lakers-tie-series-vs-timberwolves-nba-playoffs-game-3-preview Despite Gilgeous-Alexander resting in the second quarter, the Thunder's offense didn’t skip a beat.
Contributions came from all directions, underscoring the squad's depth. The team maintained their offensive onslaught, keeping Denver on the back foot throughout the first half.
When Gilgeous-Alexander returned, he took control, finishing with 34 points on an incredible 11-of-13 shooting, along with eight assists and a remarkable +51 plus-minus rating — the highest of the game. Statistically, Oklahoma City is proving to be one of the most dominant teams this postseason.
If playoff games were decided by point differential, Thunder would have a commanding lead in the series. However, the score is tied 1-1 as the series shifts to Denver for Game 3 on Friday.
Nuggets coach David Adelman highlighted the challenges of rotating players and the impact of Nikola Jokic’s limited presence, especially during critical minutes. Every Thunder player contributed to the blowout win in some capacity.
Isaiah Hartenstein stood out with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while shooting an efficient 6-of-7 from the field. OKC kept most starters on the court into the third quarter before turning to the bench, allowing them to rest in the fourth with a massive 48-point lead already secured.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/draymond-green-finalist-2025-dpoy For Denver, the night only worsened when Nikola Jokic got into foul trouble and finished with a subdued 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Russell Westbrook, ironically a former Thunder star, led the Nuggets in scoring off the bench with 19 points and five assists. Still, it wasn’t enough to offset the onslaught from his former team.
As the series moves to Denver, all eyes now turn to Game 3, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand in this thrilling Western Conference showdown.