The Thunder are no longer a hypothesis. The level they are showing each night reflects a reality. Oklahoma began the season as one of the big surprises, with the Shai-Holmgren union wowing the world, but they are ready to take the leap and at least compete in their conference.
In the match of the day, those of Daigneault they received some Timberwolves sweet, first in the West (22-7 after last night’s defeat), but they did not feel comfortable at any time (129-106). The versatility of the Thunder quintettogether with the defensive power and the efficiency in attack, were too much for the Minnesota team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey celebrate a basket
Shai He took the lead again. He scores, generates, defends, steals, blocks… there is a reason he is one of the best players in the league and perennial MVP candidate. The usual ones accompanied their rhythm, a quintet that was difficult to match in the NBA and with a thousand resources in attack and defense.
A dream quintet
If the Thunder have been characterized by something so far this season, in addition to the level of their young people, it is by the versatility that they have on their staff. A full roster which is a constant threat to rivals. Especially his quintet. Last night, against the Timberwolves, it was decisive again.
And Shai (31 points, 9 assists), Holmgren (20 points), Jalen Williams (21), There (20) y Giddey (10) went to double digits. A real crusher from the beginning. The 40 points in the first quarter support it. On the part of the visitors, it stood out Anthony Edwards (25+7+6), but he was not comfortable at any time, just like Gobert (10 points) and a Towns who did not know how to harm the local defense (16).
Chet Holmgren blocks a shot by Karl-Anthony Towns
Victory of merit, the kind that resonates. The Thunder are 19-9, third in the West and they have shown that they are capable of competing with anyone. The label of surprise They are already too small. They want to confirm that, apart from being the best young core in the league, they will fight for the ring very soon.
2023-12-27 07:07:31
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