Top Performers: Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey Power Thunder Past Jazz

With Play-In hopes hanging in the balance, the Oklahoma City Thunder flew to Utah to face the Jazz in what would be their final road game of the regular season. Going in, the Thunder were expected to win this one especially because the Jazz were missing key starters, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, due to injury.

But though the Jazz mustered up a strong fight through three quarters, trailing just 75-84 despite being short-handed, impressive fourth quarter showing from second-year guard Aaron Wiggins and veteran forward Dario Saric would help the Thunder emerge victorious, 114-98.

The win improved Oklahoma City’s record to 39-42, giving them a half-game advantage over the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Play-In tournament and an opportunity to secure a tournament berth this Sunday afternoon against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Here are the top performers in the Thunder’s big win over the Jazz:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Despite having an off-night shooting the rock, Gilgeous-Alexander still led the Thunder in scoring in the high-leverage affair, dropping 22 points on 7-of-19 shooting from the floor. Part of the poor field goal percentage can be attributed to the star guard electing to shoot five 3-pointers – an unusually high mark for him – and making just one of them.

Regardless, the Thunder’s offensive centerpiece put a ton of pressure on the rim, despite Kris Dunn’s defensive-mindedness, and helped open up the floor for the rest of the team, setting the table for easy layups and open threes. Hence Gilgeous-Alexander’s 10 free throw attempts and seven assists.

Josh Giddey

The Australian playmaker showed up and showed out in a must-win game for the Thunder, pouring in 17 points, snagging eight boards, and doling out eight assists to just four turnovers in his 38 minutes.

He even found his way to the line four times, hit a couple of shots from beyond the arc, and stole the ball away three times to help keep the Jazz at bay.

Dario Saric

The oldest player on the roster, Dario Saric, reminded everyone that age isn’t necessarily a bad thing as his experience, skill, and poise shined bright in the second half to help nudge the Thunder towards victory. The soon-to-be 29 year old did a little bit of everything as he crashed the glass, spaced the floor, and kept the ball moving. He even took a charge.

Saric helped close the game, too, scoring nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. He also finished with 10 boards, hit two of his fourth 3-point attempts, found an assist and steal, and blocked two shots.

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