Thunder Trio Boosts Thunder to 129-119 Win Over Jazz

The Oklahoma City Thunder took on the Utah Jazz for the second game in a row in the midst of their baseball series. This time, the Thunder once again manhandled the Jazz, winning 129-119, with the Jazz making the game slightly closer in the final frame.

Behind a quick start from Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – who made his return after a five-game absence – the Thunder jumped on the Jazz early. They shot 4-of-5 on 3-pointers early in the game, and this led to an 18-6 lead midway through the first.

The Thunder’s defense followed their quick offense, as they finished the first quarter up 35-20. Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and Giddy added eight points while shooting 2-of-3 on 3-pointers.

After building such a big first quarter lead, the Thunder wouldn’t look back as they moved into the second frame. Gilgeous-Alexander scored ten more points, Giddey knocked down another three and Ousmane Dieng made his presence felt. For the most part, the Thunder maintained their 20-point lead, even as they saw production from more and more players.

Leading 70-51 at the half, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting for the Thunder, followed by Giddey’s 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting on 3-pointers.

While the Thunder continued to run the score to start the second half, the Jazz would soon come back with a threatening run, getting the Thunder’s lead down to ten points. However, Gilgeous-Alexander made a big hustle play, diving to the ground for a loose ball that led to an Isaiah Joe 3-pointer. He then followed that up with six straight points, giving the Thunder another comfortable lead.

Lost in Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points through three quarters was Dieng’s 12 points through three quarters. He made timely baskets and made his presence felt throughout the game. The two helped the Thunder build their lead to 101-84 through three quarters.

The Jazz, again, tried to make the game interesting, but the trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Giddey was too much for the Jazz to handle. They finished out the game holding off any big Jazz run.

The trio combined for 94 points. Gilgeous-Alexander was responsible for 38 points on 10-of-17 shooting, followed by Giddey with 24 on 10-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had nine rebounds and nine assists to give him a near-triple-double game.

Williams added 32 points on 12-of-15 shooting, as he continues his recent aggressive stretch. He’s scored 20 or more points in five of his last six games. The 29 points are good for a career-high for Williams. This was easily the best game of his rookie campaign thus far. He knocked down four of his five attempted 3-pointers, too.

The Thunder will return to action on March 7th against the Golden State Warriors.

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