As discussed in the preview post for this game, I thought the difference will be whether or not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would play. Well, it looks like that was the case in this win as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the shorthanded New York Knicks, 95-80.
The Thunder were able to win this game behind its hot three-point shooting as the team went 18-of-43 (41.9%). Heading into this game, the Thunder were dead last in the entire NBA in team three-point percentage at 31%. This marked the 17th time in Thunder history that the team made at least 18 threes in a single game, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Schlecht.
Despite the fact that the Knicks were missing Kemba Walker and Julius Randle, the Thunder’s defense should also receive a ton of credit for this win as it held the Knicks to 31 second-half points. The Knicks only had one quarter scoring more than 20 points — the second quarter with points — and nobody outside of RJ Barrett was really able to score the ball.
The Thunder have only made 18 or more 3’s 16 times in their entire history as a basketball team
Tonight, against the Knicks, is number 17.
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) January 1, 2022
Overall, just a nice win for the team as they welcomed back Gilgeous-Alexander after missing the Phoenix Suns game last minute due to ankle soreness.
Let’s take a look at player grades: