Inside The Thunder

Three Takeaways from OKC Thunder's Overtime Victory Over Golden State

Oklahoma City won a thriller on Saturday night, taking down the Warriors in the team's second consecutive contest at the Chase Center.

Randall Sweet

Three Takeaways from OKC Thunder's Overtime Victory Over Golden State
Three Takeaways from OKC Thunder's Overtime Victory Over Golden State /
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In one of the most exciting Thunder games of the season, rookie center Chet Holmgren knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the contest to overtime.

After Holmgren's remarkable shot, Oklahoma City took care of business in the extra period, outscoring Golden State 13-6 to come away with two straight wins over the shorthanded Warriors.

Here are three takeaways from OKC's Saturday night victory over Stephen Curry and company:

Chet Holmgren is everything Thunder fans hoped he would be, and more

Former No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren had a career night against Golden State on Saturday, tallying 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. 

Despite the huge scoring uptick, Holmgren was able to maintain his impressive efficiency numbers; shooting 14-of-22 from the field, 2-of-5 from 3-point range and 6-of-7 from the free throw line. 

The most impressive part of Holmgren's night, however, was a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of regulation that would send the game to overtime. Holmgren came out to the three-point line to receive an inbounds pass from Josh Giddey, immediately turning and firing a fadeaway triple that tied the contest at 117.

Holmgren's big night is a snapshot of the 7-foot-1 rookie's potential, illustrating that he could become one of the league's premier big men sooner rather than later. With the Gonzaga product's impressive shooting and ball-handling ability in addition to his touch around the rim and stellar defense, Holmgren is the definition of a versatile, modern center.

13 games into his professional career, Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 blocks and one steal per game while shooting 54.6% from the field, 43.8% from deep and 90.4% from the line.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to make a push for First Team All-NBA again this season

After earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selection last year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems poised to repeat in 2023-24.

In Oklahoma City's 130-123 win over the Warriors, Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a whopping 40 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, while going 18-for-29 from the field, 2-for-3 from beyond the arc and 7-for-7 from the charity stripe.

The sixth-year guard from Kentucky took control of the game in overtime; crashing the glass, scoring at will and even blocking a 3-point try from Curry.

At one point in the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander used an incredible behind-the-back dribble move to get by Curry, nailing a mid-range jumper in crunch time to keep OKC in the contest.

Averaging 29.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, six assists and 2.6 steals per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and 92.1% from the free throw line this season, Oklahoma City's superstar guard is well on his way to another All-Star appearance and likely another All-NBA honor.

Despite being just 20-years-old, Cason Wallace is a key piece of OKC's rotation

Rookie guard Cason Wallace turned 20 less than two weeks ago but has already proven to be a difference-maker in the Modern Frontier.

The No. 10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft played 28 minutes last night for the Thunder, once again earning more time on the court than any of Oklahoma City's other bench players. 

In his 28 minutes, Wallace didn't produce any eye-popping stats but played tremendous defense against a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion. The former Kentucky guard has shown all season that he is willing and able to guard some of the top perimeter players in the NBA, providing another lockdown defender for OKC off the bench.

In addition to his high IQ and defensive acumen, Wallace is a smart offensive player who passes the ball well and takes good shots. This has helped the 6-foot-4 guard rack up some impressive efficiency numbers this season.

Through the first 13 games of Wallace's career, he is averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 62.9% from the field, 54.2% from 3-point range and 100% from the free throw line.

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Randall Sweet
RANDALL SWEET

Randall Sweet is a 2022 Oklahoma University graduate who has formerly written for the Norman Transcript and OU Daily. Randall also serves as the Communications Coordinator at Visit OKC.

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