Thunder Rout Nuggets, Tie Series in Game 2

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a close Game 1 loss to defeat the Denver Nuggets 149-106 in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, tying the series at 1-1. The Thunder set an NBA playoff record with 87 first-half points and led by as many as 49, producing one of the largest playoff margins in history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, 8 assists, and a +51 plus/minus, while eight Thunder players scored in double figures. Nikola Jokic, after a dominant 42-point, 22-rebound Game 1, was limited to 17 points and fouled out late in Game 2. Oklahoma City won the rebounding battle and forced 20 turnovers from Denver, reversing trends from the first game. The series now moves to Denver for Game 3, with the Thunder carrying significant momentum.