OKC Thunder Use Big Second Half to Seal NYE Win Over Nets
An inspired fourth quarter helped the Oklahoma City Thunder end 2023 with a win.
The Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-108 behind a 24-point night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The star guard shot 9-of-9 from the line and added six assists.
Josh Giddey nailed a couple of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Thunder blow the game open. His hustle after Lu Dort’s missed dunk to rebound and find Dort for a corner three put the finishing touches on the game.
Giddey’s night ended with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. He also tied Dort to lead the Thunder from beyond the arc, nailing four 3-pointers.
Nine quick points from Jalen Williams helped the Thunder extend their lead to begin the fourth quarter. The second-year forward ended with 17 points and five assists.
Toward the middle of the third quarter, the Thunder began to build separation with a 7-0 run for their largest lead at 11. The Nets never allowed their deficit to balloon, but Chet Holmgren’s 3-pointer to end the quarter was enough for a double-digit lead.
Although it was not a high volume, Oklahoma City’s outside shooting was an advantage. It shot 17-of-31 from 3-point range with five players making at least two.
The beginning of the second half had some fireworks at the rim. Holmgren started off by throwing down a lob from Jalen Williams on the first play of the third before Spencer Dinwiddie drove and dunked on Holmgren.
The rookie big man finished the night with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Holmgren’s first points of the night gave the Thunder their first lead early in the second quarter. While a quick flurry from Thomas flipped it back in the Nets’ favor, the Thunder would build up a lead throughout the quarter and head into halftime with a three-point lead.
Part of the Thunder’s problem in the first half was their inability to create transition opportunities. They forced only two Nets turnovers and gave up seven offensive rebounds.
Brooklyn took a quick 10-point lead in the first quarter and finished the quarter up by three, thanks to a combined 25 points from Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas. Still, Oklahoma City cut its deficit to three by the end of the first frame.
The Thunder will play again Tuesday when the Boston Celtics visit Paycom Center.
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