Thunder and Knicks Secure Game 2 Victories
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks both emerged victorious in their Game 2 encounters on Wednesday. The Thunder leveled their series against the Denver Nuggets at 1-1, while the Knicks jumped to a commanding 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics.
Thunder Dominate at Home
The Thunder made it clear they wouldn’t let Game 2 slip away, especially after losing Game 1 to a buzzer-beater. By halftime, they had established an impressive 87-56 lead, setting a new NBA record for most points scored by a team in the play-by-play era (1997-98). They ultimately won 149-106.
Team Performance
Oklahoma City showcased an impressive performance, shooting 56.2% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc. They recorded 31 assists, 12 steals, and only committed nine turnovers, significantly better than the Nuggets’ 21.
Standout Players
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, with all five starters and three other players scoring in double digits. “We came out here desperate,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated after the game. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokić scored 17, while Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray contributed 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Knicks Comeback Victory
Earlier in Boston, the Knicks faced a 20-point deficit but managed yet another comeback win. Much like Game 1, New York pulled off a remarkable 91-90 victory, extending their series lead over Boston.
A Struggle for Boston’s Stars
Despite holding a 20-point lead, Boston could not maintain control. Jayson Tatum struggled throughout the game, finishing with only 13 points on 5-of-20 shooting. The Celtics need to address these issues as they prepare for Game 3.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder will head to Denver for Game 3 while the Knicks will return to New York to face the Celtics again. Both teams will look to build on their momentum as series continue.