Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to 4th Quarter Comeback Win Over Kings 107-101
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine of his 31 points in the final 7:01 to spur the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 107-101 comeback win at home over the Sacramento Kings. Gilgeous-Alexander also dished out a key assist on the Luguentz Dort three-pointer that put the Thunder in front to stay with 2:33 left in the game. Here’s the recap of a thrilling game in OKC Tuesday night.
A Close Game Throughout
After a quick early lead by the Thunder, Sacramento led 29-24 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to three three-pointers by Point Guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook just signed with the team on October 15. Kings Forward DeMar DeRozan also chipped in with 7 points in the quarter.
OKC caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 34 points in the frame, but was only able to shave one point off the lead, as Sacramento stepped it up on offense as well. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 10 in the quarter for the Thunder. Zach LaVine made a couple of big threes and had 8 in the frame for Sacramento, and Keon Ellis pitched in 7 points. The Kings led at the half, 62-58.
Both teams went cold in the third quarter, but the Thunder were able to narrow Sacramento’s lead down to three points, 83-80. SGA and Aaron Wiggins led Oklahoma City with 6 in the quarter. DeRozan and LaVine paced the Kings with five each.
After an early Sacramento run, the Thunder took over in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Kings 27-18. Down 97-90 with 6:37 to go, OKC tightened up the defense. Ajay Mitchell took an offensive foul from Domantas Sabonis, and then, following a Gilgeous-Alexander layup, Jaylin Williams blocked a Sabonis layup attempt.
OKC would hold Sacramento to just four points the rest of the way, and SGA took over to close the game out. His step-back three-pointer with 16 seconds left put the game on ice.
Gilgeous-Alexander Guides Short-Handed OKC
Gilgeous-Alexander added 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal to his 31 points to lead Oklahoma City in the win. The team, playing without stars Chet Holmgren (back) and Jalen Williams (wrist), as well as sharpshooting guard Isaiah Joe (Knee), also got major contributions from Wiggins and Mitchell. Wiggins had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. Mitchell pitched in 18 points, two steals, and solid defense off the bench.
LaVine Leads Balanced Sac Attack
Lavine led a balanced Sacramento offense with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. DeRozan added 19 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Westbrook contributed 16 points, 9 boards, and 4 assists. Sabonis shot just 5-of-15, but had 18 rebounds, a steal, and a block to go with his 10 points. Ellis finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block coming off the bench.
What’s Next?
With the loss, Sacramento falls to 1-3. The Kings will now head to Chicago for a matchup against the 3-0 Bulls on Wednesday. Oklahoma City ran its record to 5-0 with the victory. The Thunder will host the Washington Wizards (1-3) on Thursday.
