5 Takeaways from the Thunder’s Game 2 statement win over the Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder responded to a Game 1 loss with a statement win Wednesday night, setting an NBA playoff record with 87 first-half points to rout the Denver Nuggets and even the second-round series at one game apiece.

▶️Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 2 Postgame show (Series tied 1-1)

1. Thunder Set the Tone Early

OKC wasted no time asserting control, outscoring Denver 45-21 in the first quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, scoring 27 points in the opening frame, more than the entire Nuggets team combined. They finished the first half with an NBA-record 87 points, leading the Nuggets by 31 points at halftime. The Thunder led for all but the first 55 seconds of the game. Denver never had a chance.

Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized that the Thunder’s performance was about returning to their identity: competitive, consistent, and mature, not about overcorrecting. As SGA said, “We came out desperate” and stayed true to the team's core principles throughout the game.

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

2. Shai’s Leadership

Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership was on full display, not just through his impressive 34-point performance on 11-of-13 shooting, but in his ability to control the game’s pace and make his teammates better. Denver hasn't had any answers in two games so far. Both Daigneault and Jalen Williams pointed to SGA’s calm demeanor and competitiveness as the emotional anchor of the team. “His aggression and trust in us, that’s our DNA,” said Williams. 95.3 percent on true shooting...not bad.

3. Execution

Despite Denver’s Game 1 victory, the Thunder didn’t make drastic adjustments to their game plan. Instead, they executed it at a higher level with sharper rotations, more urgency, and physicality. OKC's ball movement resulted in 31 assists and 12 steals. They shot 56.2 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three. Turnovers have been a key piece to the Thunder defense all year and last night Denver had 21 of them. This improved precision, especially defensively against Nikola Jokic, flipped the series momentum in OKC’s favor.

4. Supporting Cast

While SGA’s performance was the highlight, the Thunder’s depth also played a crucial role. Jalen Williams added 17 points, and Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. OKC needs that consistency from both to win a championship. Players like Isaiah Joe, Wiggins, and Dillon Jones, contributed in significant ways, proving the team’s depth is almost unmatched in the league.

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

5. Toughness and Maturity

The Thunder’s maturity beyond their years was evident in their ability to withstand Denver’s physical play and stay composed in intense moments. They were able to move past a tough loss in game 1 quickly and used it to fuel a record breaking night. The Defense was relentless, swarming, and challenging on every shot. The Nuggets looked tired and this is where the rest for OKC came up big.

MORE THUNDER COVERAGE:

1. OKC Thunder Playoffs
2. Thunder's #1 superfan: Thundor’s 17-year mission to distract opponents with sweet dance moves
3. Thunder GM Sam Presti earns 2024-25 NBA Executive of the Year honors
4. New mural in downtown OKC honors Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.