The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just bounce back in Game 2—they made a statement so loud that the Denver Nuggets are still trying to shake it off. In a historic 149–106 dismantling of the reigning champs, OKC shattered playoff records and Denver’s composure, setting up a fiery Game 3 as the series heads to Ball Arena. But while frustration boiled over on the court, culminating in Nikola Jokic fouling out, neither the NBA nor the Nuggets are letting tempers run the show moving forward.
The Nuggets center fouling out late in the third quarter was just one symptom of Denver’s implosion on Wednesday night. He finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 turnovers—miles away from the 42-point masterclass he delivered in Game 1. More glaring than the stat line was his staggering -36 plus/minus, the worst playoff mark of his career.
After the game, Jokic kept his cool, refusing to pin the foul-out on frustration: “Oh, no. I think I wanted to set a good screen on Jamal [Murray] because they were so physical… it happens, you know.” That answer helped him steer clear of any league punishment, despite the optics of a former MVP fouling out in a blowout. But behind the scenes, things were a bit less calm.
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
According to sources close to the locker room, Denver’s coaching staff issued a clear directive to the team immediately after the loss: cut the emotional play. The message? Don’t let frustration dictate effort or body language. Interim head coach David Adelman, who openly acknowledged they “got punked,” made it clear that Game 3 will be a test of mental resilience as much as basketball.
Thunder’s Record Night Sends Shockwaves Through Playoff Landscape
If there was any doubt whether the Thunder could punch back, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. put it to rest emphatically. SGA dropped 34 points on 11-for-13 shooting, dished out eight assists, and didn’t miss a single free throw. By halftime, Oklahoma City had dropped a playoff-record 87 points, and the rout was on.
“Basically, it was one team playing tonight,” Jokic said post-game—a brutal but honest assessment. OKC led by as many as 49 points, shot over 70% in the first quarter, and had eight players score in double figures. Chet Holmgren added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Williams contributed 17 points and seven assists.
For the Thunder, the win wasn’t just about revenge—it was about recalibrating their identity after a deflating Game 1 loss. “We came out desperate,” SGA said. “We wanted to just take care and control the things that we knew we could… The start carried us through the rest of the night.”
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks on in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Coach Mark Daigneault echoed that sentiment, praising his star for blending scoring with playmaking: “He made them pay when they overhelped… It wasn’t just a one-man show.” With the series tied 1–1, the pressure shifts squarely onto the Nuggets. Game 3 is Friday night in Denver, and after Wednesday’s meltdown, the defending champs need to reestablish control—not just of the series, but of their composure.
The Nuggets’ veteran leaders, including Jokic and Jamal Murray, are expected to set the tone early. Murray had 14 points in Game 2 but was visibly frustrated throughout. Russell Westbrook, who scored a team-high 19 points, also picked up a technical foul shortly after entering the game, underscoring how emotions ran high across the board.
Adelman didn’t mince words post-game. “I’m not going to flush that,” he said of the loss. “We’ve got to be better. We know that.” With the Thunder riding momentum and playoff history now on their side, the Nuggets’ next move is critical. They’ve received the message loud and clear from their coaches—and avoided further disciplinary distractions from the league.
Nikola Jokic may have avoided punishment, but the Nuggets as a whole didn’t escape criticism. After one of the worst playoff losses in franchise history, Denver’s mindset, focus, and maturity will all be tested in Game 3. The Thunder have proven they can deliver a knockout punch. Now, it’s on the ‘Mile High City’ to show if they can take it—and punch back.
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