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

Big days from a couple of Thunder stars helped them get back in the win column.

The Oklahoma City Thunder hadn’t lost three straight games this season and kept it that way on Sunday.

The Thunder beat the Sacramento Kings 127-113 at Paycom Center to move up to third in the Western Conference. On the second game of a back-to-back, two Thunder stars carried the team to an important win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the game in scoring with 38 points and added seven assists. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams scored 32 points and flirted with a triple-double with nine assists and seven rebounds.

After trailing by 17 at the end of the third, Sacramento looked to make a comeback and cut its deficit to seven a few minutes into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City never let its lead get any smaller and held on for a much-needed win.

Three quick scores by the Kings near the start of the second half forced Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to call a timeout. From there, the Thunder soon went on a 16-0 run to take their largest lead at 22.

All but two of the Thunder’s points in that run came on dunks, 3-pointers, or free throws. The Thunder’s shot selection was impressive throughout the afternoon, helping them shoot 13 of 27 from beyond the arc.

After allowing 146 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, the Thunder’s defense had a much better showing against the Kings. Forcing Sacramento turnovers and getting easy opportunities in transition helped Oklahoma City gain some separation in the third.

Malik Monk’s hot shooting helped the Kings stay within striking distance. However, Monk’s 26 points were not enough to get his team a win.

Early in the second, Jalen Williams took advantage of Sacramento turnovers to help push Oklahoma City’s lead to double digits. Williams scored 19 points in the first half while shooting 8 of 10 from the floor. Williams’ 19 tied Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the most points in the first half.

The Thunder’s defense started strong, holding the Kings to only 10 points in the first seven minutes. That start helped the Thunder take a two-point lead into the second quarter.

The Thunder will play one more game before the All-Star Game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

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