Thunder romp in Sacramento, checkmate Kings in second half

OKC 130 SAC 109

The Thunder (13-4) won the free throw battle. They also won the "which team has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander" (37 on 20 shots, nbd) battle, and they worked the Kings in the second half while limiting De'Aaron Fox (14 pts, 5-15, 4 TOs) and withstanding the Sabonis and DeRozan show (21 and 30, respectively). Sadly, Oklahoma City lost the turnover battle for the first time all season, but for once didn't need every last margin to win comfortably.

Jalen Williams (28 pts, 3 stocks) as the starting center was fun while it lasted, but the At Least One Real Center Is Available era is upon us, and has thus far justified the patient optimism around these parts. Oklahoma City is now +17 in Hartenstein minutes, shoring up the offense (OKC has a 119.2 ORTG with IHart on the floor) and maintaining elite defense around the actually-big big. Two games in, color me optimistic about how good this team can be with Hartenstein in Chet Holmgren's extended absence. And being nearly 10 games over .500 doesn't hurt my ability to remain patient.

Next up: The coastal fun continues, with a national TV game against Golden State Wednesday night.

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