Three Takeaways from the OKC Thunder's Streak-Snapping Win over Utah
The Oklahoma City Thunder knew what was at stake against the Utah Jazz.
No, playoff implications weren't hinging on the game's outcome — not yet, at least — and no, a loss wouldn't be cause for great concern in the locker room. But a win would allow the young team to get back on track after two straight losses.
And standing in between it and that outcome was the Jazz.
So, Oklahoma City hit the road for the third straight game and entered Delta Center with winning in mind, and by the end of the fourth quarter, that's exactly what happened. The Thunder got its win, got right in the process and left Salt Lake City victorious, though it wasn't an individual effort.
Here are three takeaways from the road victory:
Jan 18, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) protects the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the second half at Delta Center.
© Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
First Half Records
Even with Lauri Markkanen back in the fold, the Thunder entered Thursday's matchup knowing it was a must-win.
The NBA's second-youngest squad wanted to start fast and keep its foot on the pedal to both avoid an unwanted catfight down the stretch and prevent the Jazz's home arena from building momentum for Utah. And though the former did end up coming true as the Jazz attempted to claw its way back into the game, by the end of the first half, that didn't seem to be the case.
The Thunder never allowed the Jazz to lead, but the peak of its momentum came at the end of the first half when it seemed that nothing Utah did was enough to overpower the Thunder. Chet Holmgren's 3-pointer was proof of that, but besides silencing Delta Center, it also secured a few records for Oklahoma City at the half.
In a game that needed to be controlled early, the Thunder notched a franchise-best 24 assists in the first half and tied its season-best 76 first-half points. The point totals came from the starters — who all finished in double figures — as did the assists, with every starter but Cason Wallace notching at least six dimes, to round out a solid 24-minute showing.
But while Wallace didn't notch assists, he did show up elsewhere.
Cason Wallace's Record Showing
Cason Wallace isn't in the running for Rookie of the Year, but he's certainly made his impact for Oklahoma City regardless.
As a defense-focused guard, Wallace has notched at least one each block and steal in the last three games, and against the Jazz, that was once again the case. Wallace grabbed his steal against Utah off of a bad pass from Colin Sexton and blocked Jordan Clarkson from behind the arc within a span of two minutes in the third quarter.
His ability to defend and put pressure on teams' playmakers has made him a valuable asset to the Thunder thus far into the season, but Thursday night was a step up, as Wallace came through on the offensive end as well.
The rookie notched a career-high 16 points on 80 percent 3-point shooting and an efficient 6-for-7 clip from the field. He played 32 minutes and was pivotal in Oklahoma City's victory, which only further proved his well-rounded skillset.
Sixteen points wasn't a team high — and likely won't ever be — but for a rookie who's still finding his footing and carving himself a spot in the rotation, it's a strong start.
And that's just what the Thunder needs.
Inching Closer to the Top
Beating Utah was the outcome that Oklahoma City expected.
It's never easy to win in the NBA, but it's also not impossible, and especially for a team like the Thunder, the latter was ringing in players' heads after suffering a two-game losing streak.
The Jazz had been struggling throughout the season as a whole, but prior to facing the Thunder, any inklings of that hardship were gone. It got off to a six-game win streak, including wins against the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers.
That meant that Oklahoma City — wallowing in downward momentum — would face arguably the hottest team in the league, and it still got the job done.
With the win, not only did it get back half of a game of its deficit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it got the momentum it had been missing prior to facing that exact squad.
If the Thunder does indeed go on to beat the Timberwolves, it'll gain back one full game and gain control of a potential tiebreaker before facing off for the fourth and final time a few weeks later.
So, Oklahoma City is inching closer to the top. It's not far away, and if it can take the momentum from Thursday night forward to another win streak, it won't be long before it does stand as the Western Conference's No. 1 seed.
But that's an if.
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