Even if it’s only preseason, the Thunder were overmotivated at the idea of challenging the NBA’s new star tandem, made up of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, in front of their home crowd. Like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC started the game with full throttle to lead 5-0 then 20 to 12. Under the boards, Chet Holmgren showed off his immense arms, and he sent a shot from Lillard into the stands. (2 out of 11 on shots)!
Proof that it was a real dress rehearsal, the two coaches will play their best players in the 3rd quarter, and it is OKC who will take advantage of it with Jalen Williams to make the difference near the circle, then Holmgren to take advantage of Josh Giddey’s caviars, and even punish at 3-points (83-73).
Giannis exits, Lillard enters
Adrian Griffin recalls Giannis to the bench, but brings Lillard back into play to leave him the keys to the team. A missed option since the Thunder finished the quarter coasting to take up to 21 points in advance (96-75). The two coaches then sign the start of “garbage time” with the entry of the players from the end of the bench. The opportunity to see Olivier Sarr on the OKC side, and Tyty Washington and Drew Timme with the Bucks. On arrival, clear victory for the Thunder: 124 – 101!
“It’s great because we are going to meet great teams like this throughout the season” Holmgren reacted. “The sooner we can have this type of opponent, the sooner we can sharpen our swords… It’s great to be able to see this early and learn from it.”
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
