Game 33 Recap: Thunder (18-15) def. Mavericks (21-12)
Official Box Score: OKC 106 – DAL 101
I’m not a doctor (yet), but I’m pretty sure watching the Thunder this season could increase your risk for serious heart conditions, stroke, anxiety, or even excitement-induced death. Watch at your own risk.
Yet again, the Thunder shocked everyone and beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-101. Their ability to close late games is something we haven’t seen in several seasons in OKC and it all centers around Chris Paul. Paul landed two of the most improbable shots (a driving floater and 17-foot pull-up jumper) to get the Thunder within one point in the final two minutes of the game. After that, the rest was history! Literally. The Thunder improved to 10-2 on New Year’s Eve– the most NYE wins of any team since 2008.
Additionally, the Thunder finished the month of December 11-4, good for the BEST winning percentage in the Western Conference (.714). I have a feeling that 2020 is going to be a big year for this Oklahoma City team, whether its off-season moves or a push for the playoffs this season. Happy New Year, DT’ers!
Notes:
- Six Thunder players (Steven Adams, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul, Dennis Schröder, and Noel) scored in double-figures.
- Both Adams and Nerlens Noel recorded double-doubles.
- Hamidou Diallo returned after missing 20 games. He put up 4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal off the bench.
- Schröder notched his 14th game with 17+ points off the bench. He finished with 20 points and scored 14 points in the first half alone.
- After Luka Doncic scored 17 first-quarter points, OKC made several adjustments including running a three-guard lineup that forced Luka to play defense. OKC held Luka scoreless for the last 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter and stellar defense from Terrance Ferguson, Diallo, and Deonte Burton held Luka to 12-29 shooting on the night.
