Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren Lead OKC Thunder Past Red-Hot Clippers
In a matchup of teams closely linked, the Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top.
The Thunder snapped the Los Angeles Clippers’ nine-game winning streak with a 134-115 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder against his former team with 31 points and eight rebounds.
The NBA’s steals leader added four and blocked two shots. Meanwhile, rookie Chet Holmgren tallied 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists to go with the highlight of the night.
A couple of James Harden 3-pointers gave the Clippers their first lead to open the third quarter. Holmgren followed that by throwing a lob to himself off the backboard to start a 13-0 Thunder run.
From there, Oklahoma City extended its lead to the largest of the night at 17, heading into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City fended off any runs in the fourth to cruise to a third-straight win.
After making a layup to begin the third quarter, Jalen Williams hobbled off the floor but returned a few minutes later. Williams finished the night with 13 points and seven assists.
Receiving a loud ovation as he checked in for the Clippers, Russell Westbrook made an instant impact. The former MVP scored eight in the first quarter and finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
A couple of other former Thunder stars also helped the Clippers. Harden finished as their leading scorer with 23, while Paul George added 22.
The Thunder jumped out to an early lead, making three 3-pointers in the first 3:41 to force the Clippers into a timeout. Josh Giddey led the Thunder’s attack from beyond the arc early, nailing three from that range on his way to 11 first-quarter points. But after suffering an injury late in the second quarter, the third-year guard did not return.
Oklahoma City continues its five-game homestand against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
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