Shai, Thunder shine in an electric win over Knicks
Getty Images
The New York Knicks hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder in an electrifying Sunday matchup. When an NBA game ends with a 145-135 score, you have to enjoy high offense and low defense.
Credit to the Knicks, who made history in the first quarter. Their high-flying play of offense allowed them to break a franchise scoring record in the first, putting up 48 points in the first quarter.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder came alive in the second quarter, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. SGA’s pure shot creation and good play-making from Giddey allowed the Thunder to go to the half with the advantage.
Coming out of the half, Giddey continued to heat up, adding another assist that would add to his first triple-double of the year. In addition, Lu Dort took his chance to capitalize on his opportunities of the day.
The Thunder started to pull away in the third as their ball movement was on point while they took advantage of the defensive mismatches. A good amount of SGA’s points came at the rim since Derrick Rose was on the defense and couldn’t contain him. Oklahoma City made good use of their turnovers, turning them into points and extra possessions that seemed to take the Knicks out of the game for a while.
The Knicks had great performances from their bench. Cam Reddish scored 26 points on 58 percent efficiency and had arguably his best game as a Knick. Immanuel Quickley provided much of the points in the fourth quarter but they came too little too late.
RJ Barrett had a cold night, and it came to the detriment of the Knicks. The Knicks made an offensive push to bring the score within 10, but their lack of defense tonight didn’t help them close the gap close enough to make those points matter.
The game's best performances go to SGA scoring 37 points and dishing out eight assists. Giddey had a great performance with his first triple-double of the season, and lastly, even though they lost, I think the Knicks may have found a good piece in Reddish.
Hopefully, he can be used more moving forward in the lineup along with Obi Toppin both players shot well and are good defensive players that can be used more to give the Knicks the edge in their future matchups.
