Thunder blowout Nuggets in Game 2 to even series

After collapsing late in game one against Denver and losing by two points, Oklahoma City came out on a mission in game two of the Western Conference semifinals on Wednesday night. The Thunder started fast and never looked back winning 149-106.

>>> 5 Thunder takeaways with Jeremie Poplin after OKC's Game 2 statement win

The Thunder put up 45 first quarter points, which was their second most in a single frame this year. OKC then set a new NBA playoff record by racking up 87 first half points. The Thunder built a 31-point lead headed to the locker room.

OKC became the first home team to win a second-round playoff game. Before that, home teams were 0-6 after the Celtics lost to the Knicks again earlier Wednesday night.

Watch Chet Holmgren's Game 2 postgame press conference below. ⬇️

The game was so lopsided that starters from both teams did not play in the fourth quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for OKC with 34 points on 11 of 13 shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander set a new NBA playoff record by finishing +51, which is the biggest plus-minus ever in the postseason.

Gilgeous-Alexander got plenty of help in this one with a total of eight Thunder players finishing in double-figures.

Watch Coach Daigneault's full Game 2 postgame press conference ⬆️

On defense, the Thunder forced 20 turnovers and did a way better job defending Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. In game one, Jokic put up 42 points and had 22 rebounds. In game two, Jokic had only 17 points on 6 of 16 shooting. He also had six turnovers and fouled out.

With the series now tied at one game apiece, the series shifts to Denver. Game three is on Friday night.

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