NEW YORK — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive performance, scoring 39 points in just 29 minutes and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a convincing 126-101 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday evening. This victory marked the Thunder’s return to form following the end of their 15-game winning streak.
Isaiah Joe was also a significant contributor, posting 31 points with 23 of those coming in the first half. The Thunder entered this game fresh off a 129-122 defeat against the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, a match that had been eagerly anticipated. However, on this night at Madison Square Garden, Oklahoma City wasted no time in dominating. They orchestrated a staggering 36-12 run during the first half, establishing a substantial 70-43 lead by the break.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson managed to score 27 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 23. Unfortunately for New York, this loss marked their fourth in five games, a disappointing trend that began with last week’s encounter where the Thunder ended the Knicks’ nine-game winning streak with a strong fourth-quarter performance, resulting in a 117-107 final score.
This time, the Thunder had complete control of the game long before the final whistle. From the outset, Oklahoma City demonstrated that they would not dwell on their previous defeat, providing head coach Mark Daigneault with a relaxing night as he dealt with health issues and sported a mask at times.
During the first half, the Knicks faced significant adversity, enduring boos from disgruntled fans. Mikal Bridges had a particularly rough night, struggling with an 0-for-9 shooting performance that epitomized New York’s struggles.
A key moment came when Oklahoma City capped off the first quarter with a 12-0 run, taking a commanding lead of 31-17. They continued to build on that momentum in the second quarter, showcasing a 19-5 run that expanded their lead to 55-29, with Joe contributing 11 points during this stretch.
In terms of scoring, the Thunder exhibited dominance, outscoring the Knicks by a staggering margin in consecutive important quarters. By combining Oklahoma City’s impressive 37-19 advantage in the fourth quarter of last week’s match with their strong first period scoring of 31-17 in this game, the Thunder posted a comprehensive 68-36 outscoring of the Knicks across these pivotal stretches.
Looking ahead, the Knicks are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Sunday, while the Thunder will be on the road visiting the Washington Wizards later that evening.
