Nuggets score historic low eight points in playoff first quarter

In the NBA Western Conference Semifinals held on May 10, 2025, the Denver Nuggets faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4. Both teams struggled significantly to find their shooting touch, resulting in a record-setting low combined score of 25 points for the first quarter. The Nuggets, who entered the game with a 2-1 series lead and had been known for their offensive prowess throughout the playoffs, faltered dramatically in the opening period. They managed to score a mere eight points, shooting only 2 for 22 from the field and failing to hit any of their 14 attempts from beyond the three-point line. The Thunder, while somewhat more successful, scored only 17 points, contributing to a collective shortage of baskets that was reminiscent of amateur pickup games rather than a professional playoff match. As both teams took to the court at an unusual early start time of 1:30 p.m. local time, the combination of nerves and unusual scheduling may have played a part in the poor offensive performance. This result echoed a long-standing criticism regarding early playoff games and their impact on team performance. Players and coaches alike dismissed this notion, declaring that there was no significant advantage or disadvantage to the early start. Yet, the evidence was clear as the first quarter witnessed more turnovers than made baskets—nine turnovers versus eight field goals. Nikola Jokic stood out during the poor offensive display, grabbing six rebounds in the quarter despite his teammates' struggles to score. The second quarter saw a turnaround as the Nuggets managed to outscore the Thunder 28 to 25, closing the halftime gap to six points, with Oklahoma City leading 42-36. However, the stark contrast between their performance in the first quarter and the second underlined the unpredictability of playoff games. Analysts and social media users quickly highlighted this historic low, juxtaposing the high expectations set for both teams against the reality of their performance on that day. The Nuggets' struggle not only highlighted their early shooting woes but also reflected the pressure they faced at home as the lower-seeded team. Consequently, despite improving in the following quarters, their initial performance raised serious concerns about their offensive continuity moving forward in the series. In conclusion, the game illustrated that even favored teams can experience shocking downturns at critical moments, opening the door for discussions about the psychological and tactical factors affecting playoff performance. The coming games will test the Nuggets as they look to regroup and leverage their offensive skills to reclaim their footing in this important series.