Chet Holmgren and the Thunder make short work of the Hawks

They did it: in their third match of the season, Marc Dagneault’s men won without double overtime! OKC thus cruised to victory as champions in Atlanta, too diminished by the absences of Zachary Rizacher and Jalen Johnson (ankle injury) as well as Kristaps Porzingis (illness) to compete.

Chet Holmgren thus showed the way with a 4/4 triple attack. OKC went to +10 thanks to the passing of a man in form, Ajay Mitchell who scored two baskets and an assist for Jaylin Williams (21-31). Atlanta was able to stay alive by relying on its outside skills, Onyeka Okongwu, Nikki Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Trae Young who made baskets from distance and ended the first half at -5 (55-60).

The third quarter was much more awkward, as the Thunder scored 39 points in 12 minutes! This is also the period during which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander asserted his superiority. OKC’s leader actually put in 17 points and 3 assists for the threes of Chet Holmgren, Lugenz Dort and Ajay Mitchell!

Enough to definitely surpass Atlanta, it fell to -19 with 12 minutes left (80-99). The Mitchell-Holmgren-Hartenstein trio were responsible for finishing the job to secure a clear 117 to 100 victory for the defending champions.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Chet Holmgren en fer de lance. Already the author of a big match in the Rockets’ XXSL racket, position 4 once again proved to be an advantage. His big start to the game got him on track and the interior mostly ran through the debates, finishing with 31 points on 8/12 shooting, including 6/8 on 3-pointers, 12 rebounds and 3 steals.

– Dyson Daniels in disgrace. The top interceptor, most improved player and five “all-defensive first team” pick, embodied hope in the effort to slow down SGA. The result was a setback, as even if the Australian gave it his all, SGA turned the match around during the third quarter to ease the suspense. The MVP of the last finals was flawless in his first three games. And above all, OKC is 3-0.

– Asa Newell blacks you a lot. A few positive points to remember from this match on the side of Atlanta, apart from the skill on the outside (16/39) especially thanks to their rookie Asa Newell. A Hawks fan since childhood, the winger was the highlight of the game with 12 points, 3/5 three-pointers and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes.

– A little wrestling to finish. Already thrown out, the match ended with a small skirmish between N’Fali Dante and Jailyn Williams who took position on the rebound to the point where both found themselves on the ground. The situation was quickly brought under control and N’Fali Dante made the free throw for the last point of the game and the first point of his NBA career.

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