The Oklahoma City Thunder ended the Utah Jazz’s six-game winning streak with a 134-129 victory, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points during Thursday’s NBA action. Jalen Williams played a pivotal role, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 11 of his 27 points, helping to secure the win.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s mental and competitive strength, acknowledging they were not at their physical best but still managed to outperform the Jazz, who were on a hot streak.
“We’re not feeling 100% and yet really competed for 48 minutes together on both ends against the hottest team in the league coming in,” Daigneault said. “We probably didn’t have a fastball physically, but we had our fastball mentally and competitively.”
Williams was particularly impressive, shooting 11-14, including four 3-pointers. This marked his third consecutive game, scoring at least 25 points and showcasing his offensive and defensive prowess.
“The guy lines up and guards a premier matchup every night tonight,” Daigneault said. “And for him to be able to do that offensively and do that defensively is a very complete game. It’s very impressive.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz Updates
Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 15-17 from the line, emphasized the team’s strategy of playing downhill and constantly aiming for the paint. Cason Wallace also stood out with a season-high 16 points, and Josh Giddey contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Thunder excelled in fast-break points, totaling 29.
On the Jazz side, Collin Sexton matched Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 26, but it wasn’t enough to extend their nine-game home winning streak. The game was shadowed by the recent postponement of Utah’s game against Golden State due to the passing of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz Updates
Despite a late surge by the Jazz, highlighted by Sexton’s free throws and dunk, Wallace’s three-pointer kept the Thunder ahead. Jordan Clarkson did respond with a three-pointer, but a critical block by Chet Holmgren and a subsequent free throw sealed the Thunder’s victory.
The Thunder’s early aggression was evident as they led 34-15 in the first quarter, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s effective play. Although the Jazz reduced the deficit to three points by halftime, Oklahoma City’s shooting remained strong, leading 76-67 at the break.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz Updates
John Collins scored 21 points and noted the difficulty in containing the Thunder’s penetration into the paint, which ultimately proved costly for the Jazz.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will complete their four-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Jazz embark on a six-game road trip, starting against the Houston Rockets.
