3 Takeaways From the OKC Thunder’s Dominant Fourth Quarter and Win Against Utah

A big night from the Thunder’s star rookie propelled the team back into sole possession of first in the West.

The Thunder had some early rust but ultimately took advantage of their rest.

After three days off, Oklahoma City beat the Utah Jazz 119-107 to sweep the season series. Although the team pulled away in the end, Oklahoma City needed a big night from Chet Holmgren.

The star rookie finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 11-of-13 inside the arc. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams both had good games, combining for 49 points.

Solid performances off the bench helped Utah keep it close and hold a halftime lead. Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 25 points and seven assists.

Let’s dive into three lessons that can be learned from yesterday’s game.

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Chet Holmgren is another guy who can take over

Throughout the first half, it was an odd game for Oklahoma City. Utah was hanging around and wasn’t allowing anyone to get going. Enter Chet Holmgren.

After a solid nine-point first half, Holmgren scored six quick points to start the third quarter, including a poster dunk over Taylor Hendricks. His night was far from over.

Holmgren scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 35, a point shy of his career-high. His scoring boost pushed the Thunder’s lead out of reach and secured a win.

Although he can’t do it every night, his aggression and ability to take over is an excellent sign for the Thunder.

Loud City is back

As the Thunder’s radio voice, Matt Pinto, called his 3,000th game, the Paycom Center was reminiscent of the previous decade of Thunder basketball.

With Holmgren’s big third-quarter dunk igniting the crowd, the Thunder’s run to take a seven-point lead came with some of the loudest cheers of the season. That includes the many barks after Jalen Williams finished a difficult and-one.

The fourth quarter was more of the same. With the Thunder seizing control to start the final frame, the crowd erupted with every shot and stop that moved the Thunder closer to a win.

As Oklahoma City tries to grab the top seed out West, it’s safe to say home-court advantage is nearing playoff form.

Mark Daigneault is a challenge master

For many teams, the coach’s challenge is a random factor. That is not the case for Oklahoma City.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has been consistently good at challenging calls despite admitting he can be a bit eager to twirl his finger. Against the Jazz, Daigneault added to his challenge victories.

After Isaiah Joe was called for a foul on a Johnny Juzang corner 3, Daigneault pointed out Walker Kessler’s screen and called for a challenge. The refs deemed Daigneault correct, and Kessler got the illegal screen call while the Thunder took the ball.

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The Thunder moved back into sole possession of the one seed and remain one loss ahead of the Denver Nuggets. Still, a couple of upcoming road trips will likely sway their hopes of securing home court in the first three rounds.

Oklahoma City will make its lone trip to Toronto for a Friday matchup with the Raptors.

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