Oklahoma City secured a convincing victory against the Brooklyn Nets, winning 127-101 on Sunday night, thanks in large part to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance. Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the NBA in scoring, contributed 27 points and 10 assists over three quarters of play after missing Friday’s matchup against Dallas due to a sprained right wrist. His efficiency was notable, as he hit 8 out of 14 shots and converted all 10 of his free throw attempts, while also making four steals.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, Isaiah Joe shone for the Thunder, scoring 24 points and sinking eight 3-pointers. This victory not only strengthens Oklahoma City’s position at the top of the Western Conference standings but also secures coach Mark Daigneault a spot as an All-Star head coach. He will lead one of the All-Star teams, with one of his assistant coaches taking the helm for another team.
The Nets’ struggles continued as they fell to their eighth loss in nine games, with both Cam Johnson and Tyrese Johnson contributing 15 points. Brooklyn struggled to find their rhythm against Oklahoma City’s impressive defensive performance, shooting just 42.5% from the field. The Thunder excelled in the first quarter, sinking 9 of 13 3-pointers, which established a dominant 39-19 lead. They built on that advantage in the second quarter, entering halftime ahead 69-49, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Joe each contributing 15 points at that juncture.
Continuing their dominance in the second half, the Thunder extended their lead to as much as 29 points late in the game. Ousmane Dieng’s emphatic one-handed dunk on a fast break was a standout moment, contributing to an outstanding 18-0 run that left Brooklyn reeling early on.
Statistically, the Thunder displayed offensive prowess, shooting 61.9% from the field and 61.1% from beyond the arc in the first half, showcasing their effective shooting. Despite missing key players including Jalen Williams, who was sidelined with a strained hip, and center Isaiah Hartenstein, who struggled with a strained calf, Daigneault has effectively managed the team’s injuries, continuing to improve upon his accomplishments from last season when he earned NBA Coach of the Year honors.
Looking ahead, the Nets will face off against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, while the Thunder will host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The Thunder’s performance and coach Daigneault’s strategies indicate a promising season ahead for the team.
