Breaking News: Oklahoma City Thunder Make History with 87 Points in a Single NBA Playoff Half, Leading 87-56 Against Denver Nuggets
Thunder Set NBA Playoff Scoring Record in First Half of Game 2 vs Nuggets
Oklahoma City, OK — The Oklahoma City Thunder has made its presence felt in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and they did it in a big way during Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder set an NBA playoff record for points scored in the first half, signaling a potential shift in playoff strategy that has fans buzzing.
Breakthrough Performance: 87 Points in the First Half
The Thunder torched the nets for 87 points in the first half, surpassing the previous record of 86 points set by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals. This explosive offensive display has left fans and analysts alike wondering if this could be a new trend in playoff basketball.
Chet Holmgren, the enigma who missed two critical free throws in Game 1, drilled a pair with just a second remaining to set the new record. The Thunder’s hot shooting (58.8% from the field) and near-perfect free-throw shooting (17/18) laid the groundwork for this historic performance.
Balance on Offense: Five Starters in Double Figures
Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 18 points. But the Thunder’s offense was far from a one-man show. All five starters scored in double figures in the first half, showcasing the team’s depth and balance on offense.
This kind of spread-out scoring could spell trouble for opponents in the playoffs. It’s not easy to key in on one player when five different threats are knocking down shots.
Did You Know?
The Thunder tied the record for points in any half of a playoff game with 87. Milwaukee Bucks set this record in the second half against the Denver Nuggets on April 23, 1978.
Will This Become a Trend in the Playoffs?
The Thunder’s offensive outbreak has sparked conversation about whether this kind of high-scoring first half could become a trend in the playoffs. With more teams emphasizing pace and space, explosive offensive performances might become the norm instead of the exception.
However, it’s important to note that the Thunder faced a compliant Denver defense that seemed content to let them score. Whether this strategy pays off in the long run remains to be seen.
FAQs
- Q: Who set the previous record for most points scored in the first half of an NBA playoff game?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers scored 86 points in the first half against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals.
- Q: Which player’s free throws set the new record?
A: Chet Holmgren’s two free throws with a second remaining in the first half set the new record.
As the Thunder continues their playoff run, one thing is certain: they’ve got the offensive firepower to make some noise. Whether they can sustain this level of scoring and make a deep playoff run is the million-dollar question.
What’s Next for the Thunder?
The Thunder will look to build on this historic performance as they take on the Nuggets in Game 3. With a split in the first two games, the stage is set for an intense battle in the Western Conference Semifinals.
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