The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are again on successful observe after shedding their first recreation of the season to the Denver Nuggets earlier within the week.
Oklahoma Metropolis beat the Houston Rockets convincingly, 126-107. It took a 75-51 lead on the finish of the primary half, which carried it into the second with out a lot of a combat from Houston.
Two of the Thunder’s three key items – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren – mixed for a complete of 58 factors on the night time, whereas the remainder of the crew did their half to help them.
Listed here are three takeaways from Oklahoma Metropolis’s eighth win of the season:
As spectacular because the Thunder’s protection has been for the reason that begin of the common season, its offense has hardly ever performed a whole recreation. On Friday night time, he had maybe his finest efficiency up to now.
Exterior of the 29 factors every from Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, the remainder of the offense carried out effectively. As a collective, Oklahoma Metropolis shot 51% from the sector and practically 38% from 3-point vary, and 6 gamers completed with double-digit factors.
Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe added an environment friendly 14 factors, respectively, whereas Ajay Mitchell shined off the bench with 12 factors and 7 assists on 5-of-6 capturing. Regardless of how far coach Mark Daigneault goes, he has gamers who could make an impression anyplace.
The win confirmed that the Thunder may discover their rhythm offensively, though it wasn’t a lot of an issue discovering success early on. When he performs a whole recreation, few groups can match him within the league.
After the victory, Oklahoma Metropolis stays on the high of the NBA defensive scale with a ranking of 97.3.
Holmgren’s shot-blocking prowess within the paint, Williams’ league-leading steal numbers, and the guard tandem of Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso brought about nightmares for opposing defenses all through the season. 12 months, together with the Rockets.
The Thunder tied their season excessive with 16 pressured turnovers, which for a lot of different groups can be a season excessive. He did not present as a lot defensive tenacity as typical, however one mediocre outing was miles forward of the remaining.
If Oklahoma Metropolis’s protection continues to carry out in addition to the season goes on, will probably be by far one of the best within the NBA. Holmgren may probably obtain Defensive Participant of the 12 months consideration, whereas quite a lot of gamers on the roster may additionally profit from All-Defensive crew recognition.
The Thunder have encountered a comparatively simple schedule to this point outdoors of the Denver Nuggets, nevertheless it’s about to get so much harder.
On Sunday, Oklahoma Metropolis will face the No. 3 seed Golden State Warriors, and three video games later they are going to face the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns. All three groups have overtaken the remainder of the sector within the West, and who’s at present the strongest crew will probably be put to the check.
There isn’t any doubt that the Thunder are a reliable championship contender. Regardless that a few of his opponents have been comparatively weak, the truth that he takes a big lead generally is spectacular in itself. The protection and expertise of its squad will proceed to use, whether or not the competitors is stronger or not.
Oklahoma Metropolis now has the chance to place to relaxation any doubts and query marks that is perhaps thrown at them, particularly if they’ll defeat Golden State and Phoenix. Successful each of these matches would put him in place to take management of the No. 1 seed.
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