Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder play the Clippers

It didn’t take long for the Thunder to continue their march forward. A few days after his sudden defeat against Spurs within the NBA Cup, the reigning champion, carried by its inevitable leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 points), found his way to victory by easily getting rid of the Clippers (122-101), who were without James Harden (calf).

Californians who mostly managed to survive for a good part of the first period. before gradually easing. The Clippers could count on good starts Kawhi Leonard (22 points) et John Collins (20 points) to put the Thunder to sleep, trailing by two possessions after one quarter (27-33).

This lull didn’t last. OKC began to raise its voice on defense and impose its will on offense. As “SGA” still unsustainable in their “drives”, which Chris Dunn et al could not slow down. He was accompanied by two other members of the local “Big Three”, Chet Holmgren etc Jalen Williamsexceeded the mark of 20 points, docAjay Mitchell etc Isaiah Joe contributed 30 points off the bench.

The result: at halftime, Oklahoma turned things around and led by 9 points (64-55). The beginning of the third quarter was much “softer”, until the “explosion” at the end of this period. After an inside basket by Zubac (83-76), “SGA” did well and found Joe for a 3-pointer. Then Alex Caruso intercepted a pass to end the counterattack, and made another steal that set up Branden Carlson for a dunk.

Then the current MVP finished the counterattack after another interception. The guests couldn’t even pass the ball to each other anymore and OKC punished them abundantly. This 13-0 run, for a 20-point lead (96-76), would seal the fate of this matchup. And as usual this season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won’t have to step on the floor during the fourth quarter.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– An avalanche of lost balloons. No doubt a great statistical explanation for this meeting. The Clippers committed… 29 total turnovers, including an astronomical amount at the end of the third quarter, 20 more than their opponents. It is impossible in this context for Tyronn Lue’s men to aim for something, because these “turnovers” brought 38 points for the Thunder.

– Thunder still undefeated at home. The defending champions won again on their home turf. It was his 13th win this season at the Pike Center in as many games. For the record, the franchise’s best home record in history is 40 wins and one loss. It is owned by two teams: Spurs (2015-16) and Celtics (1985-86).

– The Clippers are getting closer to last place… Unthinkable at the beginning of the season, this meeting was a real shock of extremes. While the Thunder retain their throne, the Clippers (6w-21d), who have lost their 5th game in a row, are now in a race with the Kings (6w-21d) and Pelicans (6w-22d) to avoid last place in the West…

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.