In a surprising start to Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder faced significant offensive struggles, setting a record-tying mark for the fewest points scored in a first quarter during the shot clock era. The teams managed to combine for only 25 points, with the Thunder leading the Nuggets 17-8 by the end of the period. This performance matched a historical low previously seen in the postseason, first recorded in 2002 and also in 1999.
Throughout the quarter, shooting woes plagued both teams, as they collectively finished only 8-for-44 from the field, translating to an abysmal 18.2% shooting percentage. Notably, the Nuggets went 0 for 14 from beyond the arc, while the Thunder managed just one three-pointer out of 11 attempts.
Moving forward into the game, the shooting efficiency did not improve significantly, culminating in a combined shooting percentage of 33.5% for the match — the worst seen in playoff history over the last 21 years. This poor shooting matched a game from 2004 that featured the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, who shot 30.8%.
Despite the game’s lack of scoring, both coaches dismissed the early start time as a factor, emphasizing a level playing field. Coach Mark Daigneault of the Thunder stated, “It’s the same time for them. It’s the same rest for them,” indicating that they focused on performance rather than external conditions.
Both teams also committed nine turnovers during the first quarter, a stark illustration of the chaotic start to the game. At this point, Nikola Jokic notably grabbed six rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each contributed five rebounds, highlighting defensive efforts amid the offensive struggles.
This game serves as a reminder of how unpredictable playoff performances can be, and it opens up discussions about how teams can adapt and recover from such challenging starts. Despite the lack of scoring, fans hope to see more fluid offensive plays in the upcoming games.