The now 11-13 Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 for an impressive road win against a solid team. The Thunder have now won three straight games, all by 7 or more. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another classic performance, dropping 35 points,6 rebounds, and 5 assists. But he had some great help as 6 players got into double digits. The first half was pretty close throughout, and it was 59-54 at halftime, Atlanta advantage. The hawks came out of the locker room getting buckets to extend their lead to 14 halfway through the 3rd quarter, but the Thunder battled back to cut it to a 4 point game entering the final quarter. The fourth quarter is when things changed. Shai and Giddey were excellent on the offensive end down the stretch, and the Hawks went ice cold. The Thunder won the 4th quarter 37-26, to pull out the victory. Ousmane Dieng was a huge positive tonight, dropping a career high, 15 points! Great to see potential from the 5th youngest player in the entire association. Poku had a rare bad night this season, just 1-6 FG for 2 points. Dort severely struggled offensively as well, just 4/16 from the field but he was able to pull in 10 rebounds.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Thunder had a solid efficient night, especially from the free throw line. They shot an outstanding 23-24, Shai being 15-15. OKC was able to capitalize off of turnovers, as they had 19 points off of 18 turnovers. Most the team stats are close, but the Thunder edged out Atlanta on most of them, including FG%, 3PT, FT%, turnovers, assists, points-in-paint, points off turnovers, fast break points, steals, and they fouled less. All those things add up throughout the game, and help you take games like these. They were able to hold Trae Young to 6/19 shooting, but he did a double-double. Although this win feels nice, I do believe the Thunder need to make their mind up if they are trying to win or tank. You do not want to wind up an 11 or 12 seed. Currently they are the 12 seed, and they have been back and fourth on winning and losing streaks this year.
Box Score:
OKC:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 35p, 6r, 5a, 2s
Josh Giddey: 17p, 5r, 4a
Ousmane Dieng: 15p, 5r
Jalen Williams: 12p, 7r
Luguentz Dort: 11p, 10r, 2a
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl: 10p, 6r
Isaiah Joe: 9p, 2a, 2s
ATL:
Dejounte Murray: 24p, 6r, 3a, 2s, 2b
Trae Young: 23p, 3r, 10a
Bogdan Bogdanovic: 17p, 3r
Clint Capela: 14p, 16r, 2b
AJ Griffin: 11p, 4r, 2a, 3s
Onyeka Okongwu: 9p, 8r
Jarrett Culver: 9p, 5r
Jalen Johnson: 7p, 9r, 3a
Awards:
Most Valuable Player:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Know Your Role:
Ousmane Dieng
Defensive Lockdown:
Luguentz Dort
The Thunder will face another tough task, as they stay on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. Make sure to follow @OKCDistrict_ on Twitter for more news, updates and more on the Thunder! As always, Thunder up.
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