The Third Young Master of Thunder shines! The Youth Army overturns the defending champion and returns to the Western Final Stage after nine years of sharpening one sword

In the early morning of May 19, the NBA playoff Western Conference semifinals ushered in the ultimate showdown. At the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, the young Thunder defeated defending champion Nuggets 98-82, completing a league-shaking tiebreak counterattack. This victory not only put home fans in a crazy carnival, but also caused the youth army, with an average age of only 23.4 years, to return to the Western Conference Finals stage after 9 years, writing their historic chapter.

The Thunder's third young master's dominant performance, suppressing both offense and defense

This game is a perfect performance of the Thunder's core trio:

Shay Gilgers-Alexander opened fire with a maximum of 35 points in the game, scoring 16 points in a single quarter, leading the team to complete the reversal with the "God Kill Mode". The performance of the offense and defense has become the cornerstone of the team's winning goal.

Josh Giddy showed his all-round skills, contributing a double-double of 19 points + 12 rebounds, and scrambling key rebounds at the basket many times to stabilize the team's defense basic set.

Jaylen Williams transformed into the key, and made two consecutive three-pointers in the last quarter to destroy the opponent's hope of counterattack. The efficient output of 21 points in the game was called a "cold-blooded killer".

Game progress: From 11 points behind to 16 points, three-stage interpretation of the aesthetics of reversal

First quarter: The Nuggets have the advantage, and the Thunder's substitute surprises appear on the field

The defending champion started with Nikola Jokic's support ability (24 points + 11 rebounds) and once established an 11-point lead. At the critical moment, Thunder substitute point guard Russell Westbrook came on the field to change the situation, and sent 4 assists in a single quarter to revitalize the team's offense, leading the team to narrow the score difference 24-20.

quarter: Alexander took over the game, and the reversal laid the foundation for the second quarter to become the turning point of the game. Alexander started his "personal show", making 16 points with 6 of 7 shots in a single quarter, leading the team to a 22-5 offensive climax, and overtaken by 19 points in a single quarter. The Thunder team made 5 three-pointers in a single quarter, and forced the Nuggets to make 6 mistakes on the defensive end to completely reverse the situation on the field.

Second half: The Youth Army continued to suppress, and the joint defense locked the defending champion

changed sides and fought again. The Thunder took advantage of the victory and pursued it. At the beginning of the third quarter, it expanded the gap to 27 points with a 9-0 offensive. Although Jokic and Jamal Murray (18 points) joined forces to chase points, the Thunder made a tight regional defense, limiting the Nuggets' shooting percentage to only 25% from outside the three-point line, and finally maintaining the lead until the final game.

Youth Army Season Legend: From the league's first to the dark horse of the Western Conference Finals, this vibrant Thunder team can be called a "miracle" this season, breaking multiple records with its strength:

Regular season: won the league first with a record of 68 wins and 14 losses, breaking the best record in the team's history.

Playoffs: Sweep the Grizzlies 4-0 in the first round, defeated the Nuggets in the second round, and advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in the history of the team.

Age Myth: The average age is only 23.4 years old, becoming the youngest Western Conference Finals team in the NBA in nearly 20 years.

Voice after the game: Faith defeats experience, and Oxford waits for finally rewards

coach Mark Degnott said excitedly at the press conference: "This group of young people proved with their passion and unity that belief is more important than experience. We fight for each other every day, this is the spirit of the Thunder."

Core Alexander will be dedicated to the fans: "Oxford is worth it! This is just the beginning, and our goal is far from over."

Looking forward to the Western Conference Finals: The Youth Army faces challenges again, can the miracle continue?

Thunder's Western Conference Finals opponent will be between the Mavericks and the Warriors, with the first game set to kick off on May 21. Faced with more experienced competitors, can this young guard continue the myth of "overturning the old order in the name of youth"? The whole league will focus on their next journey.

The Thunder has drawn its sword, and the legend is being written - The new era of basketball belonging to Oklahoma may have just begun.