The Thunder knocked out the Kings in overtime

Still without Jalen Williams and this time without Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks) knew that he was expected and, as often, did not disappoint. Supported by surprising Ajay Mitchell (18 points) et Aaron Wiggins (18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks), the current MVP led the way Thunder towards a new victory against Kings (107-101). His fifth in five games this season.

However, it was anything but easy OKC. Already, because Zach LaVine (23 points), DeMar DeRozan (19 points) et Russell Westbrook (16 points, 9 rebounds) provided great adversity. Then, because Sacramento was in the lead for almost the entire match, before collapsing in the last two minutes, under a three-pointer by Lugentz Dort, Alex Caruso, then “SGA”.

A 17-4 record to end the game, the Thunder remain one of four undefeated franchises after a week of competition.

Affirming that, despite the difficulty of “back to back” or injuries, we should definitely not leave him alive before “money time”, as his experience and his confidence can enable him to overcome it.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– OKC waited for “money time” to strike. The experience of the champion spoke in this part. Aside from 71-70 in their favor in the third quarter, the Thunder chased the score between the end of the first and the end of the fourth. He trailed 97-90 with six minutes left, then went on a 17-4 run for the Kings to close, making the difference by forcing turnovers and stealing second chances while letting Shai Giljos-Alexander work on offense and Isaiah Hartenstein roam around on the rebound. In addition to “SGA”, Lugence Dort and Alex Caruso also made decisive baskets, three-pointers, at the end.

– Sacramento can blame itself. Launched well by the very skilled Russell Westbrook from long range for his first start of the season, the Kings held the lead for very long minutes, always finding a way to answer the Thunder’s run. Until the last act, where 11-0 was finally fatal for them. Too clumsy in shooting or with the ball, too weak to rebound and too late to defend against opposing shooters, the Californians were struck by lightning at the worst moment, when they seemed capable of knocking off the champion. However, it’s not for lack of veterans in the group…

– OKC got 5 out of 5. Like 2011 and 2024, the Thunder start their season 5-0. It’s not all perfect, but the champions deliver when it comes to accounting. Even more impressive when you consider that Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams and Nikola Topic have yet to play or that Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Alec Caruso have all missed one or more games. But with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the heels of his latest historic season, and players like Ajay Mitchell or Aaron Wiggins able to step up their game during absences, everything becomes much simpler.

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