As the Oklahoma City Thunder near the season’s midway point, it’s clear they’re on a path toward a potentially special campaign.
The Western Conference-leading Thunder remain careful to protect against complacency as they conclude their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
“We’re about halfway through the season. There’s a lot of season left,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “… The minute you reflect on your record, the minute you start thinking about the future, you’re going to miss opportunities.”
Complacency was not an issue Sunday as the Thunder walloped the Washington Wizards 136-95 for their 12th win in 13 games, not to mention their 32nd win in 38 games overall this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points but shot just 5-of-17 from the field. He made up for it by knocking down 16-of-17 free throws
“I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade along my way, and I’ve turned (getting to the line) into a skill, a little bit,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 52-of-53 from the foul line this month.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to honor teammate Jalen Williams, who contributed 17 points and six rebounds and is averaging career highs in points (20.6), rebounds (5.7), assists (5.2) and steals (1.7).
“You don’t have this record because of one All-Star. You don’t have this record because of one good player,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Oklahoma City will try to wrap up its road trip with a win before heading home for a rematch with the Cavaliers. Those teams squared off Jan. 8 in Cleveland, where the Thunder suffered their only loss since mid-December.
First, though, the Thunder will aim to tackle a Sixers squad that has lost five of its last seven. Most of that has taken place without Joel Embiid (foot), who sat out Sunday’s 104-99 defeat against the Orlando Magic. Embiid also has been ruled out for this contest, marking his fifth straight absence.
“That was a tough one, but I think we played our guts out,” said Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse, whose team also played without starting forward Caleb Martin (groin). Martin is listed questionable for Tuesday.
Tyrese Maxey did much of the heavy lifting on offense with 29 points, and Paul George contributed 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists before fouling out.
“It just feels like he’s just kind of playing a little more free instead of thinking about what shots he should be taking or shouldn’t be taking,” Nurse said of George. “He’s not hesitant at all. He’s a lot more aggressive … a lot more decisive.”
Embiid also may not be ready for Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks. Regardless, the Sixers might have their hands full against the loaded Thunder.
“They pose a lot of different challenges,” Maxey said. “I think the Thunder, they’re the No. 1 team in the West for a reason. They’ve played everybody tough. They’ve had a lot of different games where a lot of different guys are scoring. We know what Shai’s gonna do, but they have a lot of depth on their team and a lot of different players that can score on any given night.”
–Field Level Media
