Five Questions Ahead of Thunder vs. Knicks

The New York Knicks are up for a rematch with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jan 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives between New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jan 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives between New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks are facing one of the best teams in the NBA in the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second time in the span of a week.

With tonight's game looming, we spoke with Oklahoma City Thunder On SI reporter Rylan Stiles to learn more about the team's current state of affairs.

What surprised you in the meeting last week between the Thunder and Knicks?

The Oklahoma City Thunder's ability to grind with the Knicks and match their physicality was surprising. This has been a part of the Thunder's game they are still trying to grow as a young team and do consistently and they rose to the test against a New York team that likes to play physically.

What’s one thing people should know about the Thunder that can’t be found in a box score?

Oklahoma City is one of the best teams at dictating the terms of a game. Perhaps you have a matchup you want on the defensive end, for example to defend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but with the comfortability OKC has in guard-to-guard screens and now with Isaiah Hartenstein's big body screens, they can create favorable matchups across the board.

Who is the Thunder’s X Factor?

Pick any rotational piece. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Garden should have a great game, he is the MVP front-runner, after all. Jalen Williams is due for an offensive outburst. But, it could be all for not without another Aaron Wiggins game. Perhaps the Wiggins game is in name only and instead, it comes from Isaiah Joe getting four triples to drop. Or Cason Wallace is opportunistic off-the-ball walking into a 12-plus point night. But someone other than the top two has to have a high-level offensive game - which has been hard to come by for OKC at times.

If the Thunder were to somehow lose against the Knicks, what would be the reason why?

If the Thunder shoots under 35 percent from 3 they will lose. Oklahoma City has to have a good shooting game - which has been rare - to stay afloat on the road in what should be a great environment against a great team.

What’s your prediction for the game?

The New York Knicks get their revenge, surviving bench minutes at home where role players typically play better, to split the season series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.