Thunder’s miraculous 26-point comeback leads to 123-115 win over Lakers

In their fifth game, the Oklahoma City Thunder would match up with the Los Angeles Lakers.

This was the second back-to-back game for the Thunder, and it showed in the first quarter.

Oklahoma City allowed 41 points in the first quarter and was down 22 points heading into the second quarter.

The deficit seemed like too much to overcome, as the Thunder trailed by as much as 26 points in the first half.

However, Oklahoma City gained some momentum to the end of the second quarter with a 12-2 scoring run.

That momentum would carry over, as the Thunder had their own 41 points scoring quarter in the third.

A three-pointer from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to end the third quarter gave Oklahoma City their first game lead.

“At the moment, I was feeling hot, I didn't know what was going to happen, but I knew I was shooting a three, and it worked out for the better,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

With four minutes remaining, the Thunder would lead 112-104. Cold shooting and turnovers allowed the Lakers to make it a one-possession game down the stretch.

After a Lakers steal, Carmelo Anthony had a chance to tie the game but air-balled his three-point attempt. Oklahoma City would hold on to win 123-115 after a tremendous comeback effort.

Kudos to the Thunder for their defensive effort in the second half. Oklahoma City allowed 43 second-half points in comparison to 72 points in the first half.

Overall, the Thunder forced 17 turnovers, 10 of those coming from Russell Westbrook. The former Thunder point guard was also ejected in the finals seconds after an exchange with Darius Bazely.

Standout Performances

Thunder’s Big Three

Darius Bazley, Josh Giddey, and Gilgeous-Alexander were all integral in the Thunder’s win tonight. The rookie Giddey posted his first career double-double, with 18 points and 10 assists.

Bazley had a season-high 20 points while shooting nearly 60% from the field. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 27 points.

While the big three had some of their best performances of the season tonight, they also had help. All five starters for the Thunder scored in double figures. Isaiah Roby also added in 13 points off the bench.

Oklahoma City’s offensive explosion led to a season-high 123 points and their first win of the season.