Thunder Victorious Over Wizards Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s Shooting Struggles

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a hard-fought 110-103 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to three games despite a subpar shooting performance from their star guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Uncharacteristic Shooting Inefficiency

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.1 points per game this season, finished with just 17 points on 5-of-19 shooting from the field. It was his worst shooting night since December 2022, snapping a streak of seven consecutive games with 20 or more points.

The Wizards’ defense deserves credit for limiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s effectiveness. They forced him into several difficult shots and disrupted his rhythm with physical defense.

Contributions From Other Thunder Players

Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles, the Thunder were able to pull out the victory thanks to contributions from other players.

• Josh Giddey: The Australian point guard filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.
• Luguentz Dort: The Canadian wing scored 23 points and played solid defense on Wizards’ leading scorer Bradley Beal.
• Tre Mann: The sophomore guard came off the bench to provide a spark with 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Thunder’s Team Effort and Defense

The Thunder’s victory was also a testament to their overall team effort. They played with great energy and intensity, particularly on the defensive end.

The Thunder held the Wizards to 42.2% shooting from the field and forced 13 turnovers. They also outrebounded the Wizards 52-38.

Wizards’ Offensive Struggles

The Wizards’ offense sputtered throughout the game. Beal was limited to 19 points on 8-of-23 shooting, and Kristaps Porzingis scored only 11 points.

The Wizards also struggled from three-point range, hitting just 8-of-32 (25.0%).

Conclusion

The Thunder’s victory over the Wizards highlights the importance of team effort and defense. Even when their star player is struggling, they have shown that they can win with contributions from multiple players.

The Thunder’s success this season is a testament to their young talent and their ability to overcome adversity. They are a team to watch in the Western Conference.