Stiles Points: OKC Thunder's 3rd Quarter Response Embodies Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder responded to a massive Kings run in the third quarter to pull off win No. 60, which embodies the entire 2024-25 season.

Mar 25, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after the Thunder made a basket against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Keegan Murray couldn't miss. Zach LaVine and Keon Ellis got in on the action. The Sacramento Kings went 10-for-13 from beyond the arc in the third quarter en route to a 22-8 run in the period and won the quarter 39-25. It was not only the lone frame the Kings held an advantage but the only 12-minute segment in which they cracked 30-plus points.

It was a run that sliced a 23 point Thunder lead to single digits, it got the Sacramento barn rocking as the Kings fight for its postseason life, while Oklahoma City has everything wrapped up and were playing on getaway day before its first elongated homestand since the All-Star Break. With every reason to fold, the Thunder did what they do best: Respond.

A 21-7 run in the final frame allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder to regain separation, take a 25-point lead and clear the benches, leaving no residue of a close game behind in its 121-105 win.

That secured win No. 60 for the OKC Thunder, matching a franchise best win total. In a season that has been littered with adversity.

Sure, the Thunder were largely picked to be the No. 1 seed in the West by most prognosticators back in October.

However, if you tell those same taste makers that Isaiah Hartenstein would miss the first 20 games, Chet Holmgren would be sidelined from Nov. 10-Feb. 7 and key rotational pieces such as Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and now Jalen Williams would bounce in and out of the rotation –– They would have scrambled to change their pick.

As other teams lean on injuries as an excuse and bemoan the regular season as they wait it out to hopefully "turn it on" in the postseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder stayed 0-0 and attacked each day on the regular season through the adversity.

With a next man up approach and responding to these challenges in a positive way, the Thunder still summoned 60 wins and lapped the field in the Western Conference by largely pulling out games such as Tuesday night.

To someone who hasn't watched this season or that game unfold you shove it aside as the Thunder doing what they were projected to do. When you look under the hood, it is easier to see the battle scars that they don't let kill them.

Song of the Day: Edge of Reality by Elvis

•

Three Takeaways from OKC's 21-Point Win Over the Indiana Pacers

•

OKC Thunder Break Team Record for Steals in a Season

•

OKC Thunder Torch Indiana Pacers by 21 Points

•

OKC Thunder Big Man Exits Indiana Pacers Game

•

Isaiah Hartenstein Breaks an OKC Thunder Record