The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their prowess in the 2025 NBA Playoffs with a commanding victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning 149-106 in Game 2. This impressive performance has not only leveled their second-round series at 1-1 but also caught the attention of basketball analyst Charles Barkley, who has dubbed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his pick for MVP and predicted the Thunder will clinch the championship in 2025.
In a historic first half, the Thunder set a new record by scoring 87 points, the highest ever in a playoff half. Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout player, amassing 34 points with an astonishing shooting accuracy of 11-of-13 and completing a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. Barkley praised SGA’s performance, stating, “This is the best defensive team in the NBA, and this guy right here [SGA] is the MVP.”
On the opposing side, Nikola Jokic had a challenging game, finishing with 17 points and a disappointing -36 plus/minus along with six turnovers before fouling out in the third quarter. Despite this setback, the Nuggets possess the resilience to rebound as the series transitions to Denver, with Game 3 scheduled for Friday night at Ball Arena.
As the playoffs progress, the anticipation surrounding the Thunder builds, especially given their strong showing thus far. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the team looks poised to make a deep playoff run that has fans dreaming of a championship. This potential marks a new chapter for fan-favorite players and the Oklahoma City franchise.