Schröder’s 27 leads Thunder to first winning streak of season

Dennis Schröder came off the bench to score a game-high 27 points as the Thunder demolished the Jazz on Monday night, 104-90.

Oklahoma City is on a three-game winning streak.

Their 104-90 takedown of the Utah Jazz on Monday night gave OKC their first winning streak, as well as continued their best stretch of the season, as they’ve won five of their last six.

The Thunder were led by Dennis Schröder, who came off the bench to score a game-high 27 points, shooting 11-of-21 from the field.

In a game where bench points made a significant difference, Oklahoma City’s outstanding sixth man alone outscored the Utah bench, 27-23. In total, the Thunder got 45 points from their second unit.

When asked after the game what has made him so successful in his role, according to ESPN, Schröder told reporters he’s focused on making an impact.

“I just try to impact the game when I get in,” said Schröder, who set his career-high of 41 points in a game against the Jazz last season. “Try to make the right plays offensively and defensively. It’s just energy coming in and playing with pace.”

Four other OKC players were in double-digits against the Jazz: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20, while Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Abdel Nader had 15, 11, and 10, respectively.

Darius Bazley got his first career start in place of an injured Danilo Gallinari, who missed Monday’s game with an ankle sprain.

The Thunder were also without Terrance Ferguson due to hip soreness.

Oklahoma City has Tuesday off, before taking on the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.