SGA’s 35 factors sufficient to get previous Donovan Mitchell-less Cavs in 112-100 win
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder used a 21-8 fourth-quarter flurry to get previous the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 112-100 win.
The run was led by a lineup that by no means performed a single second collectively till tonight with the sport tied at 78-78 to start out the fourth quarter.
The Giddey-Joe-Kenrich Williams-Bazley-Muscala lineup outscored the Cavaliers 16-8 to start out the fourth quarter.
By the point main scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander checked in, he had an eight-point cushion to work with. By the tip of the sport, Gilgeous-Alexander completed with an environment friendly 35 factors.
The Thunder loved an environment friendly offensive efficiency. They shot 40-of-76 (52.6%) from the sector and 10-of-18 (55.6%) from 3. Additionally they loved a busy evening on the free-throw line, going 22-of-25 (88%).
Regardless of being massively outsized within the frontcourt, the Thunder held their very own contained in the paint, solely being outscored 56-50 by the Cavaliers. The Thunder additionally surprisingly out-rebounded the Cavaliers, 46-37.
With out Donovan Mitchell out, Darius Garland picked up the slack for his All-Star beginning teammate. Garland completed with 31 factors and 13 assists.
The opposite Cavaliers participant with an enormous evening was Evan Mobley, who completed with 23 factors and 11 rebounds — though, he was held to simply 5 factors within the second half.
As the house crowds develop bigger by the sport, the Thunder proceed to make it value their time with enjoyable and spectacular wins like Friday’s — even with the Cavaliers lacking Mitchell.
“It’s been nice. Followers have been unbelievable all 12 months lengthy,” Kenrich Williams stated. “Us profitable video games is gonna draw consideration… We obtained the very best followers within the league.”
Let’s check out Thunder participant grades.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A+
Credit score: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports activities
One other recreation, one other A-plus efficiency for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This time round, Gilgeous-Alexander completed with 35 factors on 12-of-21 taking pictures and went 10-of-11 from the free-throw line with 9 of these makes an attempt coming within the first quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander additionally added eight assists, 5 rebounds and two steals.
What makes this highly-efficient 30-plus level efficiency extra spectacular than mosts is it was in opposition to the second-best defensive-rated workforce within the league.
The Cavaliers protection is manned by their prolonged frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Regardless of that, Gilgeous-Alexander nonetheless went a good 8-of-13 from contained in the paint for 16 factors.
It doesn’t matter what opposing defenses throw at Gilgeous-Alexander, he continues to place up big scoring quantity video games.
Jalen Williams: B
Credit score: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports activities
Friday confirmed a glimpse into what’s going to occur as soon as Jalen Williams’ three-pointer finally falls.
Coming into the sport, Williams struggled from exterior, taking pictures 29.3% from 3. Maybe Friday might be the turning level as he went an ideal 3-of-3 from 3.
Total, Williams completed with 17 factors on 7-of-12 taking pictures and three rebounds. This included arguably the very best dunk of the Thunder season that noticed Williams curl his method right into a reducing dunk on two Cavs defenders.
Williams now has 50 dunks on the season and it feels secure to say he’ll have at the least one spectacular dunk a recreation at this level.
Aaron Wiggins: A
Credit score: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Thunder retains profitable when Aaron Wiggins is on the court docket for the opening tip.
Following this win, the Thunder are actually 8-0 when Wiggins begins. With Lu Dort out as a consequence of hamstring tightness, Wiggins was given the beginning nod and was superior for OKC.
Wiggins completed with 10 factors on 4-of-6 taking pictures, with all his makes approaching layups. Wiggins additionally had seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
“That’s a really spectacular stat,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated when requested in regards to the Thunder being 8-0 in Wiggins begins. “If I used to be Wiggs, I’d use it much more.”
Josh Giddey: B
Credit score: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports activities
Josh Giddey is noticing the expansion of nationwide and native consideration the Thunder have acquired in current weeks as a consequence of their success.
“You positively really feel it when the group is packed like tonight,” Giddey stated on the Thunder’s current buzz.
In January, the Thunder are 9-4. A big a part of that has to do with Giddey’s enhance play because the starting of December.
In 25 video games since Dec. 1, Giddey is averaging 17.3 factors, 8.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists on 50.7% taking pictures.
In opposition to the Cavaliers, Giddey completed with 15 factors on 6-of-12 taking pictures, six rebounds and three assists.
5 of Giddey’s six makes got here from quick soar photographs within the paint. With the paint being hovered by defensive giants Mobley and Allen, Giddey adjusted to inventive methods to create area for his photographs.
HIGHLIGHTS