The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are probably composing the best marketing campaign in franchise historical past, going from a 40-win workforce to a licensed monster in simply two yr’s time. They improved to 65-14 after Tuesday’s 136-120 residence victory versus the Los Angeles Lakers (48-31), etching their title within the NBA historical past books in consequence.
OKC earns its 51st double-digit win of the season, coincidentally leaping forward of the 1971-72 Lakers for many all-time. That LA squad, led by Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain and Gail Goodrich, defeated the New York Knicks within the Finals. The Thunder are hoping their common season dominance equally results in a celebratory conclusion in June.
Their newest triumph is a bit deceptive, nonetheless. Oklahoma Metropolis trailed Los Angeles 108-107 with 7:40 remaining within the sport, earlier than Luka Doncic was assessed his second technical foul and subsequently ejected. Official J.T. Orr drew the ire of many after tossing the famous person guard for what he deemed to be vulgar language, which was probably directed at a fan. Regardless of the case, the complexion of the sport drastically modified after Doncic left the ground.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers 29-12 to finish the competition, denying their opponent the chance to beat them twice at residence within the span of three days. Individuals can speculate about what would have occurred if the referee kept away from taking motion within the fourth quarter, however OKC nonetheless blew previous a workforce that options the legendary LeBron James and rising guard Austin Reaves.
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The Thunder are eying immortality
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried himself just like the presumptive MVP he’s, scoring 42 factors on 14-of-26 capturing whereas additionally posting six rebounds, six assists and one block. Jalen Williams added an environment friendly 26 factors and Isaiah Hartenstein anchored the low publish space, accumulating 15 boards and two blocks.
Gilgeous-Alexander can take over video games in each facet on offense, however an entire workforce effort shall be wanted within the latter phases of the playoffs. OKC and LA may meet within the Western Convention Finals, or probably earlier, so head coach Mark Daigneault and firm should be ready to enter one other gear like they did on Tuesday within the Paycom Middle.
Blowout victories ship a robust message, however ugly wins rely the identical on the scoreboard. There may come a time in the course of the upcoming postseason when the Thunder have to easily survive.