Like the Lakers, the day before against the Kings, the Thunder took advantage of a big series at the start of the 4th quarter to win 128-104 against the Hawks of a starting Zacharie Risacher, in the absence of De' Andre Hunter and always Bogdan Bogdanovic. The gap is almost unfair for the Hawks, who were still leading at the start of the 4th quarter.
Between these two undefeated teams, it was Atlanta which had a better start with Trae Young to strike from afar, and Risacher to snatch an offensive rebound, and score behind, or even sign his special: the baseline attack to finish right hand. Without avoidable lost balls, the gap would be greater for the Hawks: 27-23 after twelve minutes. Opposite, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is heating up.
OKC is in the reaction, but that allows us to stay in contact. Young continues to delight, with a superb left-handed lay-up over Chet Holmgren, and the Hawks widen the first gap of the match (49-41). But like in the first quarter, the Hawks made more mistakes at the worst times. With SGA in charge, and the Williams-Holmgrent duo finishing, the Thunder finished the half with an 11-2 lead to get back on track (58-57).
Hawks running out of juice
And after returning from the locker room, OKC insisted with a 7-0 to finally take control (68-62). We breathe easier in the public, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes charge of responding to Clint Capela's alley-oop and the nerve of Dyson Daniels (79-71). We think that the Thunder have the match well in hand, except that the Hawks let go at 3-points. Garrison Mathews twice and the unexpected Onyeka Okongwu strike from distance. Result, Atlanta came back in front (85-84). With a tap, Daniels restores this small point lead (92-91) at the start of the last quarter.
Moment chosen by SGA to take the match into its own hands. Like LeBron the day before, he strings together six points in a row, then finds Lu Dort for the 3-pointer. OKC signs a 13-0 in two minutes to escape (104-92). The Hawks are knocked out, short of juice, and the Thunder records a third victory in three matches to keep pace with the Lakers.
What to remember
– From the great SGA. If the Thunder leader starts shooting 3-pointers, and making them, it will become very complicated for the opponents. One pass from the triple-double, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a full game with 35 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, but also 3 blocks and 3 interceptions. We will therefore also remember this 3 out of 8 at 3-points. In terms of success and volume, it’s new.
– Risacher holder. For his first in this starting five, the Hawks rookie did not disappoint with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 interception. The Frenchman is very interesting when he is in motion, and his reading of trajectories allowed him to score two baskets on offensive rebounds.
– The fatal “small ball”. At the start of the 4th quarter, Mark Daigneault relied on a five composed entirely of guards with Cason Wallace to take care of Trae Young. A profitable choice, as Young found himself powerless against the “sophomore” of the Thunder. Which allowed, at the same time, Gilgeous-Alexander to make the break.
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.
