Social Media Reacts: Jalen Williams Pulls Off a Career-First
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On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Orlando Magic on National Television. As the Magic were waiting to hang Shaquille O'Neal's jersey to the rafters, the Thunder spent 48 minutes squeezing the life out of the gym.
Oklahoma City was better top-to-bottom, as the two sides traded runs in a back-and-forth game in the early goings. Eventually, the Thunder wrestled away control and never looked back.
After just four lead changes, the Thunder grew a 21-point lead and ran the Magic out of their gym 127-113, capped off by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander telling the Orlando faithful to go home.
Sophomore swingman Jalen Williams scored 33 points, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal in this contest. This marks the first time in Williams' career that he has posted consecutive 30-plus-point games after dropping 32 against the Kings on Sunday.
A brilliant second half by Gilgeous-Alexander, who totaled 32 points, grabbed three rebounds, dished out five assists, swiped a pair of steals, and swatted a shot.
All five starters made significant contributors offensively, with Lu Dort's eight points representing the lone member of the first five who did not finish with double-digit points. Still, Dort played high-level defense and flashed his improved decision-making.
Going up against the top pick in his draft, Chet Holmgren left his mark to the tune of 13 points, nine rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a jaw-dropping five blocks.
What if the answer to the 2022 "Chet or Banchero?" question is Jalen Williams
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) February 14, 2024
https://t.co/8NkcxaQZSU https://t.co/ZIlCNhdJeM
— THE UNCONTESTED PODCAST (@The_Uncontested) February 14, 2024
NBA Teams to start the 4th seeing Jalen Williams return pic.twitter.com/LrdvzjmVUj
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) February 14, 2024
Jalen Williams has done a lot for his “could be a No. 1” case lately.
— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) February 14, 2024
“They say this team is too young, not enough experience to go deep into the western conference. What do you have to say to those people?”
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 14, 2024
“I guess we’ll have to see huh.”
what. an. answer. pic.twitter.com/NiT5CET7lN
SGA, what on earth dude?
— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) February 14, 2024
Shaq just said that he thinks the Thunder can win the West on the TNT broadcast
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) February 14, 2024
Shaq on SGA: "He reminds me of a young D-Wade."
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 14, 2024
Shai to the Orlando Magic fans court side after that last bucket
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) February 14, 2024
“Go home!”
A little OKC déjà vu? pic.twitter.com/RjBhkKAHCn
J Dub with a 30-point game on national TV? His second-straight 30-point game? Oh this is must-see TV.
— 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗠. 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼 (@SuaveCEO_) February 14, 2024
The Thunder now enter the All-Star break with a 37-17 record, a half game back of the western conference's top seed. This marks the fifth time in team history the Thunder enter the mid-winter classic 20-plus games above .500 on the season.
Thunder Duo Combines for 65, Spoils Magic's Celebratory Night
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