Denver, Colo. — A lackluster performance in the first quarter coupled with a late-game slump led to the Denver Nuggets’ defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, tying their playoff series at two games apiece. The Nuggets struggled to find their rhythm early on, managing only eight points in what became an historically low-scoring first quarter.

Both teams faced difficulties in the opening minutes, with neither able to establish momentum. The Thunder took an early 17-8 lead after the first quarter, which marked the lowest combined score in NBA playoff history. Denver’s eight points were its worst scoring quarter in postseason history, a statistic that underscored its shaky start.

Though Denver found its stride and took a brief lead in the second half, the team’s efforts were ultimately stymied by inconsistent shooting. The Nuggets had a fleeting advantage of 73-66 in the fourth quarter before the Thunder retaliated with an impressive 11-0 run, draining the energy from the home crowd at Ball Arena. Down the stretch, missed opportunities, including crucial free throws, solidified Denver’s woes.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 25 points, contributing to the Thunder’s defensive pressure that hampered Nikola Jokić’s performance. Jokić, who scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, struggled with his shooting, finishing the game with a 31.8% shooting percentage, including a challenging 7 of 22 from the field.

Both teams appeared fatigued from their previous contest. Head coaches acknowledged the short turnaround time between games. “We aimed to conserve our energy as much as we could,” said Nuggets coach David Adelman, noting the quick transition from Friday’s overtime match. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, however, felt the time constraints affected neither team, viewing it as an equitable situation.

As the game progressed, Denver’s shooting dramatically dropped, finishing with just 31.3% from the field and a disappointing 24.4% from three-point range. Oklahoma City mirrored that struggle, hitting 35.6% of its shots and also firing at 24.4% from beyond the arc. Both teams missed a series of open looks, creating a tense atmosphere showcasing defensive strengths intertwined with offensive failures.

The series now shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 5, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, where both teams will aim to seize control. As the two squads prepare for an essential match, fans can expect heightened intensity as each side seeks to push ahead in the playoff series.