Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and the Thunder locked in to blow the Nuggets out in Game 2 to tie the series up, setting multiple records along the way.
There was a lot of noise surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder after they lost Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
They answered the critics and doubters in style in Game 2, scoring 87 points in the first half alone. This is the highest points tally any team has ever achieved in the first half of a playoff game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way, scoring 34 points in just 30 minutes. He checked out of the game in the 3rd quarter, having missed just two shots.
Among other experts, Brian Windhorst suggested the Thunder wouldn’t have wanted to face the Nuggets after their Game 1 loss. They’re out to prove everyone wrong after Game 2.
Nikola Jokic was getting all the MVP love after Game 1, but SGA has taken over the limelight on Wednesday.
The OKC superstar had a plus/minus of +50 when he checked out in the third quarter. This marks the first time in the 21st century that this mark has been reached in the playoffs.
“I know who my MVP is,” wrote a fan. “The agenda is back, I will be pushing it relentlessly for at least the next two days,” added another.
“The Nuggets are not winning another game,” a third fan said. This seems to be a common sentiment, with another fan writing, “SGA and them boys have figured these guys out.”
One fan summed up the overarching reaction to this game, writing, “MVP this man already.”
With SGA lapping up all the praise and plaudits, it’s Jokic‘s turn to get the criticism and negativity. The Joker fouled out in the 3rd quarter, a dismal outing for the NBA champion.
Jokic had just 17 points on the night and shot poorly from the field. For such an efficient player, shooting 37.5% is simply unacceptable.
This led to a plus/minus of -36, the lowest of his already illustrious career in the NBA.
The Nuggets have the advantage of winning a road game and going back home 1-1. But losing by 43 points can be enough to end a team’s season, with what it does to morale.
The Joker and his teammates will have a lot of reflection to do before they defend homecourt in Game 3 on Friday in Denver.
