The Oklahoma City Thunder responded with a vital win in Game 4 of their second-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The low-scoring bout ended with a final score of 92-87.
Both squads had a slow start to the matchup, but Denver’s offense struggled on a historic scale. The Nuggets managed to score just eight points in the opening frame, a nightmare quarter that haunted them for the rest of the game.
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OKC’s offense limped out to a 17-point first quarter, tying the record for the least amount of combined points in a first quarter in playoff history.
Some low-scoring games can be attributed to an elite defensive effort from both sides. This game was not one of them. Airballs and loud bricks were the norm as the Thunder shot 1-11 from deep and the Nuggets made none of their 14 attempts.
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After 16 straight misses, Russell Westbrook finally ended the drought and hit a three-pointer late in the second quarter. Shockingly, the game was still close and the Thunder’s offense was also abysmal throughout the battle.
Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 13 rebounds and three assists as the Nuggets shot just 31% from the field and 24% from three.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists.
With the series tied at two games apiece, the Thunder will look to take a lead at home in Game 5 on Tuesday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
