Thunder Escape on Friday, But Need Better Performances From Supporting Cast

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed up in a big way on Friday night. He was virtually unstoppable, and showed everyone in the Cleveland stands why he's a bonafide MVP candidate. The Thunder stole one against the Cavaliers, though, completing an impossible late comeback, and doing it against a team missing Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen.

Credit where credit is due, Lu Dort showed up, too. He played the sidekick in Gilgeous-Alexander's heroics.

Gilgeous-Alexander's 34-point, 11-rebound outing was truly impressive, but Dort's 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting was equally as important. The duo powered Oklahoma City's backcourt.

Chet Holmgren was game changing on the defensive end, adding seven blocks. He poured in 16 points and 13 rebounds in addition.

Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey were no where to be found, though. It was okay on Friday night, but as the season goes on, the Thunder will need more from its supporting core group. Giddey added just two points on 1-of-8 from the floor, while Williams scored 14 points on 4-of-14.

Both players got good looks throughout the game but simply couldn't convert. Because the Cavaliers were missing Garland and Allen, the Thunder had room for error. When it comes to the playoff stretch, though, the Thunder will have no room for error.

In addition to Williams and Giddey, Isaiah Joe struggled mightily, too. The sharpshooter went 2-of-10 shooting and 1-of-7 from 3-point range and got some good looks too.

Williams, Giddey and Joe will need to give the Thunder more moving forward, especially if this team has postseason aspirations. Thankfully for the Thunder, however, it's only the second game of the season.

Oklahoma City escaped, walking out of two road games with an undefeated record. Moving forward, team basketball will be more important than ever before.

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