OKC Thunder Respond to Challenge, Getting a Much Needed Afternoon Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to respond to the challenge on Sunday, knocking off the Sacramento Kings in a rare afternoon win.

.On Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a chance to respond. Going 0-3 to afternoon games to this point in the year, all decided by double-digits, on an eight-game losing streak to the Kings (including 0-2 this season), and one of their most disheartened performances of the season less than 24 hours ago. 

Riding a two-game losing streak and looking to avoid their first three-game skid, the Thunder did just that. Responded. Again. The second-youngest roster in the NBA has been so good at rising to challenges all year. Busting through each roadblock put in front of them to this point. 

Sunday was no different; the Thunder, for the first time, came out on fire in a matinee. Flying around the court on defense and turning that into offense. 

"We have to have the same preparation and mindset coming into every single game, no matter what time it is," Chet Holmgren said following Saturday's mid-day loss against Dallas. 

They certainly looked more prepared today, earning a 127-113 win over the Kings, which at once point featured a 24-point Thunder lead. Oklahoma City shot 54 percent from the floor, 48 percent from beyond the arc, and 81 percent from the charity stripe. 

This allowed the Thunder to earn a controlling lead for most of the contest, handling a few Kings runs and marching to a 127-113 victory. 

This pushes Oklahoma City within a half-game of first place in the Western Conference and ensures the Thunder will head into the All-Star with two games as their largest losing streak. 

As Oklahoma City responded to another challenge, their uncommon maturity was again displayed. Despite being the second-youngest roster in the NBA, the Thunder are quick learners. 

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams Lead OKC Thunder Past Kings

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