Thanks to a fiery 4th quarter, the Thunder overwhelmed the Nets

The start of the game was balanced with both teams hitting each ball. In a quarter that lacked too much rhythm or intensity, the good-footed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (9 points) took the lead (28-24) with a buzzer beater.

Seth Curry wakes up the Nets with 7 points early in the second quarter, allowing his men to take the lead (34-32). But under the impetus of Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort, OKC responded quickly to take an 8-point lead (45-37). It’s a playoff game and Brooklyn is responding with a 13-2 run, especially with TJ Warren signed. “Nets” is ahead with a score of 50-48 at halftime.

As in the first quarter, the two teams respond to each ball after returning from the locker room. If Kyrie Irving isn’t at the address (3/11), Joe Harris is starting to heat up. On the Thunder side, Josh Giddey continues his work with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists midway through the third quarter. As the game progressed, Brooklyn became more comfortable with moving the ball well and with a collective defensive effort.

Kyrie Irving’s teammates are leading by 9 points (75-66). OKC is hanging on and will close the gap to 5 points (80-75) to finish better than the Nets in this third.

The Thunder will start the last quarter the same way they finished the previous quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates outscored the Nets 24-12 to take a 7-point lead (99-92). The Nets wouldn’t give anything back, the Thunder would run to the end, winning 37-22 in a very high quality 4th quarter. OKC is coming off a 112-102 win over Brooklyn for their 3rd straight road win.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– The 4th quarter of Yildirim. OKC led by 5 points at the end of the 3rd quarter and dominated Brooklyn 37-22 during the 4th quarter. The Thunder players showed excellent coordination both offensively and defensively, which allowed them to quickly take advantage of Brooklyn. The Nets couldn’t keep up and made numerous defensive mistakes. Undaunted, OKC eventually took a comfortable lead to finally win the match.

– Two losses in two games without Kevin Durant. Brooklyn is struggling after Kevin Durant is injured. Without their best element, the Nets are lacking in their game, and this was especially evident in the final quarter, when the Thunder had a chain of baskets.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅Josh Giddey. He was the Thunder’s leader on the court, making the right decisions throughout the game. He is not far from a triple-double: 28 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists on 12/21 shooting.

✅ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite his mixed shooting ability, he had his usual good game: 28 points on 8/17 shooting, including 1/4 from 3-point range. Decisive at the end of the game.

✅ Luguentz sleeps. He epitomizes the fighting spirit of this OKC team, and he hurts from long range: 22 points on 5/7 from 3!

✅ Seth Curry. Despite the loss, a very good game from him off the bench: 23 points on 9/15 shooting.

✅ Nic Claxton. He was dominant on both ends of the floor: 17 points on 7/10 shooting, but all 13 rebounds and over 4 blocks!

⛔️ Kyrie Irving. He went 1-of-7 from 3-point range, including 7-of-20 shooting.

NEXT

Nets (27-15): Travel to Spurs overnight Tuesday to Tuesday (2H).

Thunder (21-23): Pacers Reception Tuesday through Thursday (2H).