Basketball

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets held what essentially was a group therapy session Thursday after their 43-point demolition at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Denver Nuggets accomplished one goal by stealing Game 1 of their second-round playoff series at Oklahoma City. The Indiana Pacers were even more productive in Cleveland, sweeping both games.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson refused to blame officials for what the NBA said were three incorrect no-calls in the final minute — including one that led to Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning 3-pointer — in Indiana's 120-119

Former Celtics great Paul Pierce was so confident in his team in Game 2 against the Knicks, he said he would walk to work barefoot “in my robe” if they lost for a second straight game in the second-round series.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ticket demand is so great for Saturday's Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks that the average paid ticket price on the resale market approached $2,000 Thursday.

Tyrese Haliburton did the dance. He will not pay a fine.

New York down by 20 on Monday. Indiana down by 20 on Tuesday. New York down by 20 again Wednesday. No problem.

Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (50-32, fourth in the Western Conference) Denver; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -4.5; over/under is 233.

Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (50-32, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -2.5; over/under is 229.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder set an NBA playoff record for first-half points with 87 against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series Wednesday night.