Game Recap
The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their season-opening winning streak to eight games with a 126-107 victory over the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and 12 assists, leading the Thunder to a franchise record for consecutive victories to start a season.
First Half Performance
Isaiah Joe added 22 points and Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins each had 12 to help the Thunder overcome an early surge by the Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander, who played for the Clippers in his rookie season before he was traded to the Thunder, was nine of 14 from the floor and four of five from three-point range.
Clippers’ Struggle
James Harden scored 25 points and John Collins added 17 for the Clippers. They were without Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (knee) on the second night of a home back-to-back. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 16 points as the Clippers lost consecutive home games after winning the first three in their own building.
Turning Point
After trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Thunder took the lead for good at 81-78 on a three-pointer from Aaron Wiggins with 3:34 remaining in the third quarter. Oklahoma City closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take a 94-86 lead.
Final Quarter
The Thunder put the game away with a 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter for a 105-86 advantage. It was an extended 17-0 run going back to consecutive three-pointers from Isaiah Joe and Gilgeous-Alexander to end the third.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Thunder’s victory over the Clippers marked a significant milestone in their season, setting a franchise record for consecutive wins to start the season. The team’s performance was impressive, with multiple players contributing to the win. The Clippers, on the other hand, struggled without Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal, and were unable to overcome the Thunder’s strong offense.
FAQs
Q: Who led the Thunder in points and assists?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points and 12 assists.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 126-107 in favor of the Thunder.
Q: Why did the Clippers struggle in the game?
A: The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (knee) on the second night of a home back-to-back, which contributed to their struggle.
