Shai, Thunder feast on Wizards before Christmas break
OKC 123 WAS 105
The Oklahoma City Thunder (23-5) took too long to win their eighth straight against the Washington Wizards (4-23). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had lackluster offensive help from his teammates, but scored 41 on 25 shots and turned the game from a comfortable 10-point margin at the end of three quarters to a 20+ point laugher five minutes into the fourth. We need a name for the "Shai scores, you don't" switch that the Thunder keep flipping.
Next up: Enjoy stress-free Christmas hoops, as the league regrets its choice not to schedule OKC for the national showcase. The Thunder will be off through the holiday, then back on the road to play the Pacers on Thursday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores his first bucket and gets 2 blocks on one possession all in the final 25 seconds of the 1st quarter.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
Wizards came out like they took the 18.5 betting line personally.
Thunder down 32-29.
Jaylin Williams gets a HUGE standing ovation from the Loud City crowd as he checks in for the first time this season.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
And a chorus of barking.
I mean it is loud loud in here for JWill.
JWill hits a 3 for his for shot of the season.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
Loud City goes bonkers.
BOOM is back.
Jordan Poole just hit a 3 at the shot clock buzzer.. with a hand in his face.. from near half court.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
Thunder up 67-63 at halftime.
JWill checking in for the first time this season.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
JWill immediately hitting his first 3.
Loud City excited to have Jaylin Williams back. pic.twitter.com/Him54TVFp0
Alex Caruso just flies around everywhere and causes chaos.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
But after that last sequence, Caruso walked to the locker room.
SGA is ridiculous.pic.twitter.com/wcho74wpUQ
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
(@ThunderFilmRoom) https://t.co/DSIbpqwXZF
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
41 PTS
14-25 FG
3-5 3PT
9 REB
3 STL
3 BLK
+25 pic.twitter.com/1HfUWtd7FK
Isaiah Hartenstein: 10 double doubles in 13 Thunder games.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
Thunder recorded its 10th game this season with 15+ steals.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
No other team has more than 4 games with 15+ steals.
Mark Daigneault on Ajay Mitchell: “He’s been very reliable. He’s been a staple in the rotation for a reason.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
Mitchell tonight:
16 PTS
12 REB
6-7 FG
2-3 3PT
Thunder improve to 23-5.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) December 24, 2024
8 straight wins.
7-0 vs the East.
Next up: @ Indiana on Thursday.