Thunder's key trio trigger victory over Knicks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th December, 22:55 2023

Dec 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. credits: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Williams scored a career-high 36 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also finished with 36 points as the host Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New York Knicks 129-120 on Wednesday.

The Thunder won for the fifth time in six games. The Knicks fell to 5-6 in their past 11 contests.

The win was a showcase of Oklahoma City's core trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and rookie big man Chet Holmgren.

With about three minutes left, Holmgren blocked Julius Randle's shot that could have pulled the Knicks within six.

Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed the rebound and ran upcourt before throwing the ball to Williams in stride. Williams drained a 3-pointer to put Oklahoma City up 10.

After a Jalen Brunson basket on the other end, Williams hit yet another 3-pointer off a feed from Gilgeous-Alexander with 2:38 to go. Williams' treys were part of a 10-2 run that virtually put the game away.

Williams scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and finished 13 of 17 from the floor, making all five of his 3-point attempts.

Gilgeous-Alexander was 13 of 23 from the floor and added eight assists and seven rebounds.

Holmgren had 22 points, shooting 8 of 10 inside the arc and 1 of 4 from long distance.

Oklahoma City forced 18 Knicks turnovers, outscoring New York 21-5 off giveaways.

For the second consecutive night, Oklahoma City got off to a blazing hot shooting start.

The Thunder hit 65 percent from the floor in the first quarter against New York, including 6 of 8 on 3-pointers, a night after shooting 70 percent in the first period of a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On Wednesday, Oklahoma City wound up at 54.4 percent from the floor, its third game in the past four shooting 54 percent or better.

Randle led the Knicks with 25 points while Brunson added 24 and Immanuel Quickley scored 22 on 7-of-10 shooting.

The Thunder led by 12 early in the third quarter before the Knicks made a strong push. New York ripped off a 21-9 run to wipe out the deficit and tie the game 81-81.

However, Oklahoma City quickly regained the lead and kept it the rest of the way.

Oklahoma City's Jaylin Williams sustained a right hip contusion in the second quarter and did not return.

—Field Level Media

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