3 Takeaways From the OKC Thunder Holding Off the Knicks to Complete a Back-to-Back
The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of business to finish a five-game homestand.
The Thunder beat the New York Knicks 129-120 on Wednesday to finish their homestand 4-1. A couple of stellar performances from the Thunder’s perimeter stars sealed the victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams scored 36 points each to push the Thunder past the Knicks. While Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley all scored at least 20 points, it was not enough to overcome their 18 turnovers.
Although the Knicks had a substantial advantage in the rebounding department, their inability to get critical stops ended any chance of winning. Something else that helped the Thunder was their rim protection. Chet Holmgren led Oklahoma City with four of its 10 blocks.
Let’s dive into three lessons that can be learned from yesterday’s game.
The Thunder may have the best third option in the league
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the star of the show for the Thunder almost every night. But after him, the Thunder have a couple of great options.
Wednesday’s game was a great example as Jalen Williams finished with 36, tying Gilgeous-Alexander for the best scoring night. Williams shot 13-of-17 from the floor and 5-of-5 from 3-point range, including some hits to seal the game in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren added 22 points, five rebounds and four blocks as the third guy against the Knicks. Whether Williams or Holmgren are the second option, the other has often stepped up in the third role, which continues to make the Thunder such a dangerous team.
The Thunder are built to succeed in back-to-back situations
As such a young team, the Thunder have an easier time playing on no days of rest compared to most of the league. So far this season, the Thunder are 3-0 on the second night of a back-to-back.
Although the first two wins were over two of the worst teams in the league, the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers, beating the Knicks is another encouraging sign. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard sets the tone each night, particularly when a team can be naturally sluggish.
Oklahoma City will have to continue to prove its ability on back-to-backs, with five in January. But as long as Oklahoma City can remain healthy, its talent should carry it to at least a few wins.
The bench rotation is looking more consistent
With a third of the season gone, coach Mark Daigneault is beginning to solidify the rotation. While the starting five has expectedly stayed the same all season, the personnel who comes in for them has been a work in progress.
Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams entered the season as obvious rotational pieces and have contributed as anticipated. Aside from them, much of the Thunder’s bench was up in the air.
Cason Wallace quickly claimed his spot as an impact player as a rookie, and it appears that Aaron Wiggins will be the ninth guy in Oklahoma City’s main rotation. Still, guys such as Jaylin Williams and Vasilije Micic could have favorable matchups, but their playing time will fluctuate much more than the others.
Winning two straight games over potential playoff teams is a testament to where the Thunder are. Although it is only December, the Thunder have firmly put themselves at the top of the West.
Oklahoma City will get an opportunity to face the defending champions again on Friday in Denver.
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