The Denver Nuggets are facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the 2024–25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, and the Thunder head into halftime with the lead—thanks in part to an unusually quiet start from Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP scored just 11 points in the first half, all of them coming in the second quarter, raising the question: what’s the lowest-scoring first half of Jokić’s career?
Both teams got off to an uncharacteristically sluggish start. It was one of the most disjointed opening halves of the postseason, with the first quarter ending 17–8 in favor of Oklahoma City. Neither side found offensive rhythm early, and the stats reflected that.
From beyond the arc, both teams shot a dismal 13.6% (3-of-22 combined). The Thunder held a sizable edge in overall field goal percentage, shooting 34% compared to Denver’s 21.1%—a surprising figure for a Nuggets squad known for offensive efficiency.
Denver’s struggles were compounded by limited production from key role players. Michael Porter Jr., playing with his shoulder heavily wrapped, continued his inconsistent postseason showing. Russell Westbrook, while energetic, was erratic on both ends of the floor.
What’s the Lowest-Scoring First Half of Jokić’s Career?
Jokić finished the first half with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. While active in other areas, his scoring absence in the first quarter was especially notable—it marked the first time in this year’s playoffs that he was held scoreless in an entire period.
According to Statmuse, Jokić’s lowest-scoring first halves in his NBA career came on January 7, 2024, against the Detroit Pistons and on December 12, 2023, against the Chicago Bulls—he posted just 4 points in each of those games. That puts this Game 4 performance in rare territory, though not unprecedented.
It’s especially surprising considering Jokić averaged 13.5 points per first half during the NBA 2024–25 regular season. His overall scoring averages remain elite—21.6 points per game in the regular season and 27.7 points per game in the playoffs.