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In front of a delighted home crowd, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show, weaving through defenders with flashy dribbles before finding Bennett Stirtz for a jumper at the end of the third quarter. The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 114-75 win over the Washington Wizards, their second victory in as many nights.
Both teams started sluggishly, perhaps due to the second game of a back-to-back, but the Thunder soon found their rhythm. A Jared McCain-to-Aday Mara and-one layup helped OKC take a 25-19 lead after the first quarter. From there, the Thunder blew the game open in the second period, embarking on a 25-7 run while Gilgeous-Alexander rested. The second unit, fueled by Isaiah Hartenstein's chemistry with McCain, extended the lead. Oklahoma City poured in 32 points in the quarter, while Washington managed a paltry 28% shooting performance in the first half. At halftime, the Thunder held a commanding 57-36 advantage.
The second half turned into a festive affair as OKC's lead ballooned to 43 points. The Thunder added 33 points in the third quarter to take a 90-59 lead. The crowd erupted when Allen Iverson was shown on the jumbotron, and also gave loud ovations for Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander sat out the entire fourth quarter, his work already done. Rookie Aday Mara had a memorable night, hitting his first career jumper and blocking several shots with his raw power and size. The 21-year-old, who played with the same moxie he displayed at Michigan last year, finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. The Thunder added 24 points in the final frame to seal the blowout.
Key Analysis
Oklahoma City continues to thrive despite missing three of their four best players, showcasing their depth and resilience. Gilgeous-Alexander remains the catalyst, but the supporting cast has stepped up admirably. The Thunder shot 49% from the field and 35.7% from three, while dishing out 33 assists on 45 made baskets. Five players scored in double figures, with McCain adding 19 points and Mara contributing 18. The Wizards, on the other hand, struggled mightily, shooting just 30% overall and 16.3% from beyond the arc. Alex Sarr posted a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, and AJ Dybantsa led Washington with 19 points, but it was far from enough. The Thunder's ability to win in various ways, even without heavy reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring, has been a key factor in their success.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned an A grade for his efficient 30-point outing on 11-of-20 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three. He also contributed nine assists and two rebounds, and his stepback three-pointer has become a lethal weapon. Aday Mara received an A-plus for his dominant performance, providing a defensive presence without Holmgren. Jared McCain also earned an A-plus for his 19 points, showcasing his improved finishing at the rim and his effective two-man game with Hartenstein. Kenrich Williams, despite a C grade, has been an unsung hero, taking on tough defensive assignments and providing physical play. The Thunder's depth and versatility have them rolling, and they appear to have rediscovered their championship form after early-season injuries.
Originally reported by yahoo.