Thunder snap 3-game losing streak behind SGA’s 31 points to win 117-101

Heading into Sunday’s game, the Thunder were on a three-game losing streak, including Friday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where Oklahoma City scored only 85 points.

However, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Thunder exploded offensively and was able to come out with a 117-101 win.

Things started off slow for Thunder as they fell behind by double digits early in the first quarter.

But after Oklahoma City found a rhythm offensively, they went on a scoring run to take a lead of their own. The Thunder would score 31 points in the second quarter and lead 62-51 at halftime.

Oklahoma City didn’t squander the halftime lead and never trailed in the second half. During the fourth quarter, the Thunder would push their lead to a game-high 20 points in route to a win.

Major Takeaways

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leading the Thunder offensively was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City’s star was doing a great job facilitating and finished with a game-high nine assists.

Every time Cleveland tried to cut into the Thunder’s lead, Gilgeous-Alexander would score a timely basket. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 of his game-high 31 points through the first three quarters.

This was a needed breakout performance from Gilgeous-Alexander who had been inefficient in his previous two games since returning from a knee injury.

“Most nights he’s on the court I feel like we have the best player on the court and I felt like that again tonight,” said head coach Mark Daigneault.

Thunder’s Offense:

Oklahoma City was nearly unstoppable tonight on offense. The Thunder had six players in double figures, including Mike Muscala and Hamidou Diallo off the bench.

Efficiency was the key for Oklahoma City tonight. As they shot 54% from the field and 46% from three which is above their season averages.

“Transition offense is a big weapon for us because of the guards we have, they get downhill and get to the free-throw line,” Mike Muscala said.

Look to see if the Thunder can carry over the hot shooting, in their matchup with the Miami Heat Monday.