Thunder’s Late Game Charge Shocks Hawks in NBA Showdown

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines in Thunder’s Victory

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder’s shining star, put up an impressive 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out nine assists, narrowly missing out on his third career triple-double. His electrifying performance powered the Thunder to a 128-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. Both teams entered the arena with two wins under their belt, but it was the Thunder who emerged victorious.

Strong Support from Holmgren and Williams

Chet Holmgren made a significant contribution with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six impressive blocks. Jalen Williams wasn’t far behind, chipping in with 20 points and nine rebounds for the Thunder. The duo marked a key part of the Thunder’s victory, especially in the fourth quarter, where the Thunder outscored the Hawks 39-18.

Thunder’s Fourth-Quarter Dominance

The Thunder’s shooting performance was nothing short of spectacular in the final period. They made 14 of 23 field goals, while the Hawks struggled, managing to make only 6 out of 20. The Hawks’ leading star, Trae Young, who had been in phenomenal form in the first two games, found it challenging to maintain his rhythm. He put up 24 points and eight assists but only managed to get 14 shots off, thanks to the relentless pressure from Oklahoma City’s guards.

Hawks Struggle Despite Risacher’s Debut

Zaccharie Risacher, the French forward and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a decent debut with 13 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes for Atlanta. However, his efforts weren’t enough to lift the Hawks. The team’s second-highest scorer, Garrison Mathews, could only muster 14 points.

Thunder’s Comeback and Key Moment

Despite trailing 58-50 with less than a minute left in the first half, the Thunder showed their resilience. They closed the second quarter with a 7-point run, reducing the deficit to 58-57 at halftime. The key turning point came in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run by Oklahoma City, fueled by six points from Gilgeous-Alexander. This run held the Hawks scoreless for over three minutes, allowing the Thunder to seize control for good.

Key Stat and What’s Next

The Thunder’s inside game was on point, with 28 successful attempts from 49 inside the 3-point line. Once they established their presence in the paint, their outside shooting followed suit. Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Washington Wizards on Monday, while the Thunder will welcome the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.