"Yes, I don't know. Could it have something to do with them finally playing at home again?"
"I think it probably does, man. Just look at the atmosphere here, the passionate fans. If they're playing for them, how could the players not give 120 percent?"
"Then it looks like the Nuggets could be in a bit of trouble tonight."
"Yeah. Although they successfully defended home court in the last game, the series is still tied 1–1. If the Thunder can win tonight, the Denver Nuggets will lose control of the series completely."
"If that happens, they'll be the first top-seeded team in this season's Playoffs to fall behind 1–2 right out of the gate!"
That was exactly the kind of situation the Nuggets desperately wanted to avoid.
But the reality was that against the Thunder's terrifying, full-throttle attack right from the opening tip, they hadn't been able to protect their own basket.
The Thunder's Big Three combined for a powerful, well-coordinated attack, and the Nuggets found themselves down 10–3 right away.
Aside from Murray's layup, the only other points came when Jokic barely managed to draw a Defensive foul from Little Jordan.
And Teacher Jokic was unusually erratic, making just one of two free throws and putting his team in an even deeper hole...
Malone soon had no choice but to call the first timeout of the game, hoping to steady things with a few adjustments.
The problem was that even he was having trouble coming up with an effective plan on the spot.
The Thunder's offense was coming from all over the floor.
Westbrook scored four straight points to open the game, while Anthony Davis knocked down a midrange jumper and a close-range floater.
Both of them were clearly feeling it.
Chris Chen had only scored two points,