Isaiah Joe’s elite shooting leads OKC’s bench production amid SGA’s absence

Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Isaiah Joe has been a much-needed constant spark off the bench for head coach Marc Daigneault as the defending champions continue the regular season without an All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since SGA was off during the All-Star break, Joe’s dunk over LeBron James was the highlight moment in the Thunder’s win against the Los Angeles Lakers, but his production stretches far beyond that.

Thunder fans would argue that Joe did enough to earn an invitation to this week’s dunk and 3-point contest in Saturday night’s All-Star game. Before the dunk over James, Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero was Joe’s previous poster victim. However, Joe’s shooting has been his staple for the Thunder over the years, and this season is no different, especially since Gilgeous-Alexander’s abdominal injury.

Joe is averaging 14.6 points on 44.2% shooting, including 44.1% from deep, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in February. In the previous seven games combined, He has connected on an incredible 22 threes (22-for-50) at the same rate (44%). I-Joe is good for at least three 3-pointers per game in February.

His 19 points led the Thunder’s bench production in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. The Thunder’s Isaiah Joe has been one of Daigneault’s most reliable scorers, especially ahead of Jalen Williams’ return on Monday.

Jaylen Williams’ silver lining after comeback in Thunder win

Thunder begins ahead Jaylen Williams returned from a 10-game absence in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. Williams recovered from a hamstring injury before scoring 10 of his 23 points to lead the Thunder to a road win.

After the game, Williams revealed how the unexpected break, after returning from a 19-game absence to start the season, rejuvenated his approach.

“It feels great. The three weeks (were) actually great for me. It was the first time I’ve shot like that since April 8 last year,” Williams said. “So that was really crazy. My arm feels good. I just stuck with Ayton, and that was it. Honestly, it’s the best it’s been since. A lot of reps I was able to do while I was out there. That really helped.”

The Thunder will look to end their quick two-game road trip without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a high note in Wednesday’s matchup against the Suns.