After a week’s break due to the All Star Game, the NBA regular season restarted on Thursday. In the Western Conference clash, the Oklahoma City Thunder, second in the standings, dominated the Los Angeles Clippers (129-107), ranked third. The Oklahoma franchise thus resumed its winning streak. She now has three consecutive successes.
“OKC” escapes in the 3rd quarter
The first period between the two pursuers of the Minnesota Timberwolves (leaders in the West) was balanced. At halftime, the Thunder were in front by two points (61-59). But, at the end of the third quarter, Oklahoma City pulled away and led 96-82 entering the final quarter of the game. The Los Angeles Clippers were then never able to worry their opponent.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star of “OKC”, successfully resumed the season, after taking part in the All Star Game last Sunday in Indianapolis. He scored 31 points with a 12/19 shooting (including 3/6 from three points). The four other players who made up the starting five with him all exceeded the ten-point mark (Luguentz Dort, 19, Jalen Williams, 18, Chet Holmgren, 17, and Josh Giddey, 12).
The Thunder are one victory away from Minnesota
In the ranks of the Clippers, Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook returned to Oklahoma City. All three men have worn the Thunder jersey during their careers. But it was Kawhi Leonard who was the most effective for the Californians, with 20 points (9/12 including 0/2 three-pointers). Harden scored 17 points, George, 14, and Westbrook, two.
In the Western Conference standings, the Oklahoma City Thunder came within a victory of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who did not play Thursday. The latter will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. At the same time, “OKC” will play again, again at home against the Washington Wizards. The LA Clippers will be on the floor of the Memphis Grizzlies.
