The Oklahoma City Thunder turned their fortunes around with a big win against the LA Clippers 134-128. Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Golden State Warriors the night before, the Thunder were able to rally and get an all-important win to keep them in the mix at the top of the Western Conference.
After losing Chet Holmgren indefinitely due to a hip injury, the Thunder put out a much smaller lineup, with the tallest player in the lineup being Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 6’6″. Shai wasn’t just the leader in height, but also in performance level, as he put up a career-high 45 points (13-21 FG), along with nine assists, five steals, three rebounds, and two blocks to help get the win.
Jalen Williams had yet another strong night as he continued his development into a star player, as he put up 28 points (11-16 FG), along with eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Norman Powell stepped up for the Clippers tonight, with 22 points (10-15 FG), four assists, three steals, and two rebounds. James Harden struggled from the field once again, scoring just 17 points (5-15 FG), along with 11 rebounds and nine assists.
Thunder fans were thrilled to see their team get back to winning ways, as their performance against the Warriors caused a little bit of concern. Many of them praised Shai for his career night, while also applauding the decision from Mike Daigneault for having the courage to try out a small-ball lineup with both his centers out injured.
But some Clippers fans were upset about the officiating during the game, with them accusing the referees of letting the Thunder win by calling incredibly soft fouls in their favor.
“Seeing reactions to the small ball line-up from people around the league is so funny because OKC has been doing this for 2 years now.”
“Refs are really trying to give OKC this game. The Clippers will breathe on the Thunder too hard and that’s a foul. Vegas made the call.”
“SGA put on a masterclass single-handedly destroying what was left of the Clippers.”
“That was a good bounce back! Can’t wait to see you guys on Wednesday night when we play New Orleans!”
“BARK LOUDER AND LIKE THEY SAY IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE THEM DAWGS THEN GET OFF THE COURT ASAP!!!!!!!!”
“Without Chet, we needed a big performance from SGA and he delivered.”
“The OKC Thunder didn’t play a single center-sized player this evening, pretty much everyone was 6’6” or under.”
“Lots learned in tonight’s Thunder win. Quick-processing big men are going to eat on this iteration of OKC. Luckily, few of those exist, and even fewer in the next stretch of games before Hartenstein’s return.”
“OKC Thunder are a cocky team fr but idk if anyone out West can stop them. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 45 points even have that Rockets Harden whistle. No questions about it he is a superstar.”
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the MVP.”
Clearly, there is a degree of happiness over the win, especially considering the team was without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Harternstein, their two center options.
The irony in tonight’s win was that the Thunder, James Harden’s former team, defeated his Clippers while employing a tactic that the Rockets, his other former team, made famous when they put out small-ball lineups.
Can The Thunder Win It All This Season?
Much like last season, the Thunder are at the top of the Western Conference right now, currently boasting the best record with 9-2. Both the Warriors and the Suns, who are right behind them, have played one game less, so their stint at the top could be short-lived.
The Thunder were also the first seed in the West last season but failed to make a big mark in the playoffs. They easily defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs, but their inexperience and youth were on full display in their second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, who eliminated them in six games.
This season, Mike Daigneault’s squad will be hoping to improve on their performances from last season, as they look to capitalize on their incredible young roster and compete for an NBA championship.
While the Thunder are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, they are not the most experienced. And with the West being as stacked as ever, they will face stiff competition in their journey to the NBA Finals. But if their roster is healthy and performing at the highest level, there are few teams that can compete with the Thunder.
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