Nuggets and notes
- Going into this game, the Oklahoma City Thunder were on their longest losing streak of the season (2). It was a chance to wash away the feeling of losing two straight games, four of the last six and three directly against the San Antonio Spurs. And through the first 2 1/2 quarters, the Thunder kept the 76ers at bay, but never really opened things up against the inferior opponent.
- At least until about midway through the third, when OKC turned up the pressure and forced the 76ers into a flurry of turnovers, and the champs looked like the champs and took Philly to the woodshed. By the end of the third, OKC led 101-86 and never looked back.
- First half: OKC 64, PHI, 62. Second half: OKC 65, PHI 42.
- The Thunder absolutely owned the paint and scored within 72 points. OKC was in attack mode the entire time, which translated into very little reliance on the deep ball, which is something Oklahoma City has struggled with lately.
- Speaking of owning the paint, this was a “Chet Holmgren is an All-Star” game. Chet scored 29 points on 12 of 17 shooting, including 50% from three, while grabbing 9 boards (3 ORBs) and hitting 4 shots. The only downside was 6 turnovers, but you can live with that when Chet is rolling like this.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was efficient. The 76ers had no answer for him, as the MVP went 10 of 13 from the field, scored 27 points and recorded a DNP-REST in the fourth quarter.
- Ajay Mitchell was back, and boy did I miss him. The super sub hit all the right notes off the bench, scoring 13 points along with 3 assists and 2 steals. Ajay adds a layer to the bench minutes that stabilizes the offense.
- Speaking of bench minutes, Aaron Wiggins was excellent last night. Wiggins is a walking heater at times, almost casually dropping 15 points in just 23 minutes on 6-of-8 shooting.
- With the Thunder’s starting five looking healthier (well, maybe), Cason Wallace has been moved to the bench, but he’s just as effective there. Wallace was +18 and made life difficult at times for the Philly offense.
- This is the Thunder defense I like to see. OKC forced 23 turnovers, including 12 steals, leading to 31 Thunder points.
- Isaiah Hartenstein left late in the third quarter after rolling his ankle and did not return. Isaiah Joe also left early with neck soreness and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
- Thunder legend Paul George had a quiet night for the opposition Sixers. He scored just 12 points on 4-for-11 shooting and was a -19 in plus/minus. But brother is a lifelong LEGEND for the Thunder. In fact, even last night he continued to help the Thunder as OKC’s chances of a lottery pick improved with OKC’s win.
- I get a kick out of games where OKC improves its lottery odds with wins. So far, OKC is 3-0 against the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, which, you know, helps position the first-round picks these teams owe to the Thunder.
One important takeaway
Okay, let’s be honest, the atmosphere was not good after Christmas. The Spurs beat the Thunder in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals and defeated the Thunder in San Antonio, and everyone (myself included) expected Oklahoma City to reassert dominance on Christmas Day with the lights shining brightly in a big afternoon game. Once again, the Spurs have swept the NBA champions.
Vibes = very bad.
Is this team broken? Is the champion tomcat here? How can this team ever repeat when the Spurs are in the way.
Calm down, people. Yes, it certainly doesn’t feel great losing to Spurs three times in a row, but this team is still very good and we’re not even halfway through the season yet. The team is assimilating Jalen Williams (who is still getting into shape both physically and mentally after being out for so long with his wrist injury/surgery), has been moving players in and out of the lineup due to injuries, and has the weight of the championship on his shoulders.
And last night, especially in that third quarter, OKC looked like OKC again. The team is still as good as we thought, and a few losses to Spurs won’t change that.
#Thunder #76ers #Day #report