Giant Lead of 48 Points for Thunder Post-3 Quarters Represents Fourth-Largest Differential in NBA Playoff History Records
Thunder Steamroll Over Nuggets in Record-Breaking Second-Round Game
Unleashing carnage, the Oklahoma City Thunder obliterated the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series, leading by an astounding 124-76 at the close of the third quarter.
Trampling through the competition like a herd of rampaging buffalo, the Thunder showcased their sheer dominance, tying the fourth-largest margin after three quarters in NBA playoff history. For the record: That's a whopping 48-point lead, just one point shy of their staggering 49-point advantage over the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season[1].
In the first quarter alone, the Thunder cemented their unstoppable force, touting the best scoring margin in any playoff quarter in their franchise's history - 45-21[1]. Credit where it's due, Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledges that this impressive outing was simply a representation of the team's season-long efforts, rather than a direct response to their defeat in Game 1[2].
The Denver Nuggets, reeling from the Thunder's relentless onslaught, could barely keep up. Despite arriving for Game 2 fresh off an exhilarating comeback victory in Game 1, the Nuggets struggled to keep up with MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander unleashed a torrent of havoc in the opening quarter, outscoring the entire Denver team with an eye-popping 27 points[3]. The man's a machine, going 11-of-13 from the floor and an unbelievable 11-of-11 at the free-throw line by the end of the game, racking up 34 points and eight assists[3].
Let's not forget the Thunder's incredible half-time score of 87-56, shattering the NBA playoff record for the most points scored in a half[1]. All five Thunder starters, along with reserve forward Aaron Wiggins, had tallied double-digit scores by half-time[1].
Once again, the Nuggets found themselves in disarray at the break, faced with a daunting challenge in mounting a comeback. The best-of-seven series now shifts to Denver for Games 3 and 4, as the Thunder leave a trail of destruction in their wake.
[1] Source: Basketball Reference[2] Source: Nick Gallo (@NickAGallo) May 8, 2025[3] Additional Insight: Per ESPN Stats & Information, the Thunder outscored the Nuggets by 51 points in Gilgeous-Alexander's 30 minutes, giving him the best plus-minus in a playoff game since that statistic started being tracked in 1997-98.
- Definitely, the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance in Game 2, where they obliterated the Denver Nuggets, showcased their basketball dominance, as they tied the fourth-largest margin after three quarters in NBA playoff history with a 48-point lead.
- For the record, this performance was a representation of the Thunder's season-long efforts, rather than a direct response to their defeat in Game 1.
- In the first quarter alone, the Thunder cemented their unstoppable force, topping the best scoring margin in any playoff quarter in their franchise's history - a formidable 45-21 lead.
- MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unleashed a torrent of havoc in the opening quarter, outscoring the entire Denver team with an astonishing 27 points and going 11-of-13 from the floor and an unbelievable 11-of-11 at the free-throw line by the end of the game.
- The Thunder's incredible half-time score of 87-56 shattered the NBA playoff record for the most points scored in a half, with all five Thunder starters and reserve forward Aaron Wiggins having tallied double-digit scores by half-time.
- The best-of-seven series now shifts to Denver for Games 3 and 4, as the Thunder leave a trail of destruction in their wake, with their impressive stats and imprint firmly imprinted on the sports landscape.
