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Charles Barkley Predicts Winner of NBA Finals Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 8, 2025 10:14 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder left no doubt on Wednesday night — they're heading to Denver with the series tied 1-1. In a dominant Game 2 performance, the Thunder poured in 149 points and cruised to a 43-point victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Oklahoma City exploded for 87 points in the first half and built a commanding 31-point lead by halftime on the way to a 149-106 victory.

Now the series shifts to Denver for a pivotal Game 3 on Friday. The Nuggets will host Games 3 and 4 before the series returns to Paycom Center for a potential Game 5.

The first half sent a clear message to fans, players and coaches around the league. One who took notice was TNT’s Charles Barkley. During the halftime show, he didn’t hold back with his honest and bold prediction:

"I think that team's gonna win the championship," Barkley exclaimed.

"I think that team's gonna win the Championship."

Chuck on OKC after their historic first half pic.twitter.com/DAXhPW47iR
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 8, 2025

From start to finish, the Thunder were relentless. Eight players scored in double figures. MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, four rebounds and eight assists.

Chet Holmgren was a force inside, logging 26 minutes and recording a double-double. The former Gonzaga standout tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds while going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line.

Among the starters, Jalen Williams added 17 points, Isaiah Hartenstein scored 14 and Lu Dort finished with 12. Off the bench, Isaiah Joe contributed 14, while Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell each chipped in 10 apiece.

The Thunder also made life difficult for Denver star Nikola Jokic. After a dominant Game 1, Jokic struggled mightily in Game 2. He shot just 6-of-16 from the field, scored 17 points and turned the ball over six times.

Oklahoma City has never won an NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The franchise’s only championship came in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals once, back in 2012.

Head coach Mark Daigneault just wrapped up his fifth regular season with the Thunder. Since taking over in 2020-21, when the team won only 22 games, they have improved every season.

Game 3 tips off at 10 p.m. ET Friday in Denver, where the Nuggets will look to bounce back. But after a statement like this, all eyes are on Oklahoma City.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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