Nuggets vs Thunder G2 Preview: Alexander Strives to Get One Back Jokic After 42+22 and Break Out Again?

At 9:30 a.m. Beijing time on May 8, the Western Conference semifinals continued, and the Thunder played against the Nuggets at home to start the second game of the series. The Nuggets took the lead in the opening game and led 1-0 overall. In this game, can Alexander lead the team to equalize? Will Jokic explode again after scoring 42 points and 22 rebounds in the last game?

Throughout the season, the Thunder have shown tenacity. The Thunder suffered back-to-back losses only twice in the regular season, and the top-seeded team in the Western Conference playoffs has never lost more than two games in a row.

However, the Thunder lost 119-121 at home in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals, and they desperately need to bounce back when they replay the Nuggets at home.

With less than three minutes left in the game, the Nuggets trailed by nine points before Jokic led the team on a counterattack. With less than four seconds to go, Aaron Gordon hit a three-pointer to help the Nuggets win the game.

Thunder star Alexander said: "We know it's all about how we respond. There's nothing we can do about what has happened, so there's no need to hang our heads, feel sorry or sulk about it. All we can do is play better in the next game and that's what we're focusing on now. ”

Thunder head coach Daigneault doesn't expect his team to easily crush their opponents after sweeping the Grizzlies in the first round. "We have to face the difficulties of the playoffs and accept the adversity," Daigneault said. The playoffs are like a mountain to climb, and it's never easy for anyone. ”

"We had a sort of smooth sail in the first round. Every game has its challenges, but we're always in control of the series...... At this stage of the season, no team can easily win a series. ”

During the game, the Thunder used a variety of defensive tactics against Jokic and managed to interfere with the superstar in some periods. But Jokic ended up in a bleak state, scoring 42 points and grabbing 22 rebounds. Westbrook of the Nuggets' said of Jokic: "He's the best player in the world, it's as simple as that. ”

For Westbrook, playing against his old club, the Thunder, also has a special meaning. On his debut, Wei Shao received enthusiastic cheers from Thunder fans. However, Willis then assisted Gordon for the game-winning three-pointer, and Thunder fans were speechless in shock.

Westbrook said of the Thunder: "When I was a young guy, they gave me a chance and trusted me. The reason why they like me is because of my competitive spirit and fighting spirit. ”

Lately, Westbrook and the entire Nuggets have been on full display of that spirit. They regained form after head coach Malone was sacked late in the season. They battled hard in seven first-round games against the Clippers, including a winning dunk at the final whistle in Game 4.

In the Western Conference semifinals G1, the Nuggets came back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Thunder, a team with the best regular season record in the league.

Later this week, the Nuggets will play Game 3 and Game 4 at home in Colorado and will try to continue that good momentum. "We don't want to miss this moment and we don't want to miss this opportunity," Gordon said. I'm glad we showed resilience, but we're not going to rest on our laurels. ”

The Thunder will be trying to regain the momentum they have built up throughout the season. "We knew it wasn't always going to be smooth and exciting for us," Alexander said. ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Nuggets: Holmes is out

Thunder: Topic is out

ESPN predicts the win rate: Nuggets 34.3%, Thunder 65.7%