Thunder "Big Three" Finish in Double Figures as OKC Falls in Los Angeles
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Despite productive performances from its three main players, OKC was trounced by the Los Angeles Clippers, 127-105, on Thursday evening behind an impressive performance from Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP went 13-of-15 from the field en route to 32 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams all performed well on offense, the team's supporting cast did not provide much assistance. Of the 13 players to see the court for Oklahoma City on Thursday, only the "big three" scored in double figures against Los Angeles.
Even in the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his remarkable season, finishing the contest with 30 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in only 27 minutes on the court. The crafty scorer got his points efficiently, going 10-for-15 from the field, 9-for-9 from the free throw line and 1-of-1 from 3-point range.
With OKC struggling offensively in the first half, SGA went on a quick scoring flurry, tallying seven consecutive points to put the Thunder back within striking distance. While the all-star guard had previously been inactive on the second night of back-to-back games, Oklahoma City's push for the playoffs may result in Gilgeous-Alexander being available Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Twenty-year-old Josh Giddey also had a good showing on Thursday night, kicking off the action with an easy floater on OKC's first possession. The second-year Australian guard scored 18 points, dished out four assists and grabbed three rebounds while shooting 8-for-15 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
At one point in the third quarter, Giddey hit a contested step-back for what appeared to be his third triple of the night. The 6-foot-8 ball-handler held his follow-through and glanced into the opposing crowd as he watched his shot hit the bottom of the net, clearly feeling a wave of confidence.
Rookie wing Jalen Williams was the only other Thunder player in to reach double-figures, scoring 16 points while going 7-of-12 from the floor and 2-for-4 from downtown. Additionally, the Santa Clara product recorded four assists and three rebounds.
Oklahoma City returns to the court at 9:30 P.M. CT on Friday for an crucial matchup against Los Angeles Lakers.
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