UPDATE: The Oklahoma City Thunder orchestrated a stunning comeback, defeating the Utah Jazz 144-112 on November 10, 2023, in NBA Cup action. This victory marks the Thunder’s eighth consecutive win and improves their record to an impressive 16-1.
The Thunder witnessed a remarkable 33-4 run that catapulted them from an 18-point deficit in the first half to a commanding victory. Oklahoma City’s comeback is now the largest by any team that trailed by 15 or more points in the play-by-play era, dating back to the 1997-98 season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. His performance comes on the heels of a slow start from three-point range, as he had struggled with just 27% shooting prior to this game. He also went 9-for-13 from the field and 10-for-12 from the free-throw line, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
The Thunder’s shooting was nothing short of exceptional, with a field goal percentage of 61.4% and a season-high 62.2% on three-pointers, making 23 of 37 attempts. Isaiah Joe contributed 16 points while Jaylin Williams added a season-high 15 points, including 5 three-pointers.
In a game where the Jazz initially took control, scoring 44 points in the first quarter, they ultimately fell victim to Oklahoma City’s relentless defense. The Thunder forced 28 turnovers, translating them into 44 points, effectively disrupting Utah’s offensive rhythm and visibly frustrating their players.
As the third quarter unfolded, the Thunder showcased their dominance, outscoring the Jazz 43-20 in the period. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points during this stretch, further solidifying Oklahoma City’s reputation as the league’s best third-quarter team.
Following the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “We showed our character tonight,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity.
The Jazz, now 5-10 overall and 0-3 in tournament play, were led by Keyonte George with 20 points and Lauri Markkanen, who added 19 points. Despite their early lead, the Jazz could not maintain momentum as the Thunder surged ahead.
As Oklahoma City continues its impressive run, they remain the only team in the league without a loss when trailing by double digits, now standing at 5-0 in such situations. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Thunder can maintain this momentum heading into their next matches.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA Cup progresses.
