It takes OKC a long time to find success and put one of the best defenses in the NBA back on the field. After 24 minutes in full balance against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Thunder broke through in the third quarter and reacted to two consecutive defeats against the San Antonio Spurs. In Philly, a super first quarter from Tyrese Maxey was not enough, author of 15 points and three steals in twelve minutes with six out of seven from the field. The first half was balanced thanks to very high percentages from the field, with both teams going into halftime shooting more than 55% with an unreal 9 of 15 from three points for the Sixers.
NBA, Oklahoma City extends in the third quarter thanks to SGA and Chet Holmgren
The moment in which the game breaks down comes halfway through the third quarter, with the Thunder once again raising the level of their defense and rediscovering themselves among the best in the NBA. Philadelphia scores only two baskets in seven minutes, Oklahoma City scores a 22-6 run with which they effectively secure what is their 27th victory of the season. The usual decisive players were Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Chet Holmgren, authors of 27 and 29 points respectively in just over three quarters of play. In the third period the OKC duo scored 20 points against the 24 of all of Philadelphia, in the fourth period we arrived with the Thunder ahead by 16 and a new 12-3 run at the start of the last period put an end to the game. Thus it ends 129-104 for Oklahoma City, which finds its smile again after the two heavy knockouts against the San Antonio Spurs.
