Gilgeous-Alexander-Scores 34 as a Thunder past Nuggets 149-106, Tie West Semis in 1-1

Oklahoma City (AP) -Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder set up the league and team recruitment on Wednesday evening with a 149-106 victory against the Denver Nuggets, which connected the Western Conference semi-finals in one game each.

Oklahoma City put an NBA Playoff record for points in the first half with 87With the 86 that the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved against the Golden State Warriors in game 4 of the NBA final on June 9, 2017. Chet Holmgren, who missed two critical free throws in the late game in game 1, made a couple with a second in the second quarter to take the record and give the Thunder a 87-56 lead.

The thunder tied the record for points in half a playoff game. Milwaukee had 87 against Denver on April 23, 1978 in the second half.

“Basically, it was a team tonight,” said Denver Center Nikola Jokic.

The top dog wanted to avoid taking a 2-0 deficit on the street. Oklahoma City was the first home team to win a game in the second round. Game 3 is on Friday in Denver.

“We knew what was at stake this evening,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We came out desperately. We just wanted to take care of the things and check the things we knew about it. And we did pretty good work, especially to start the game. The start took us the rest of the night.”

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 out of 13 field goals, all eleven his free throws and had eight templates. He led eight players who achieved in double -digit numbers.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneult said Gilgeous-Alexander had scored much more than points.

“He had them paid for when they checked him,” said Daignault. “He had the ball in front of him all night, so he also recorded his teammates. It wasn't just a one-man show. He was super efficient. I mean, he had an incredible mix tonight.”

Jokic, who had 1 42 points and 22 rebounds in a win 1 in game 1, had only 17 points and eight rebounds on Wednesday before floating out late in the third quarter.

Russell Westbrook led the nuggets with 19 points. The amount of Oklahoma City cheered for the ex-Thunder star when he entered game 1, but the fans changed their rapprochement and drilled it shortly after his entry into game 2. Westbrook was challenged after a technical foul moment, and Gilgeous-Alexander made the free throw to do it 34-13.

The thunder led 45-21 at the end of the first quarter, after shot 71.4% out of the field and set up a team record for points in a quarter in a playoff game.

“We were punk and didn't play well enough and they came out with the right intensity,” said Interim coach of Denver David Adelman. “We didn't do it.”

Oklahoma City continued his dominance in the second quarter. A praise from Gilgeous-Alexander to Jalen Williams for a two-handed jam gave the thunder a lead of 78-43.

Oklahoma City led 124-76 after three quarters. The largest lead was 49 points.

Adelman said he would not minimize the loss, although the nuggets would return to Denver with the home advantage.

“I'm not sitting here tonight and talking about 1-1 tonight,” he said. “Not tonight. We won't rinse it. We have to be better. We know that. That it is nice to know that you have received a win under your belt.”

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