Thunder Make NBA Playoff History in Dominant First Half vs. Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Neel | Last updated May 8, 2025 12:00 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder were frustrated with how Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets ended, with Aaron Gordon hitting a go-ahead 3-pointer with a second left in the game, capping an impressive comeback and giving the Nuggets and upset win on the road.

The Thunder turned around and took out their frustration early on in Game 2.

OKC took a dominant 87-56 lead into halftime in Game 2, making NBA history by scoring the most points in a first half ever in the postseason. The 87 points tied the record for the most points in a single half in NBA history.

All five of the Thunder's starters scored in double-figures in the game, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Meanwhile, Denver played solid, as 56 first-half points is nothing to be ashamed of, but the defense was an issue throughout the first two quarters, with OKC hitting 58.8% of their shots, and 43.5% of their 3-pointers.

This is a critical game for OKC to win, as they look to become the first home team in the second round of the playoffs to win at home. Before this game, the Boston Celtics blew a big lead to the New York Knicks and dropped their second-straight home game, and on Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers were upset by the Indiana Pacers, dropping to 0-2 at home as well. The Minnesota Timberwolves also lost to the Golden State Warriors at home on Tuesday night.

There are still 30 minute of basketball to be played, but if the Nuggets can't cut into the lead a bit throughout the third quarter, this could be a game where we see the starters come out of the game early and rest up, getting ready for a return back to Denver for Game 3 of the series.

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

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