Three Takeaways from the OKC Thunder's First Win Over the Sacramento Kings Since 2021

The Oklahoma City Thunder hadn't defeated the Sacramento Kings since Nov. 12, 2021, but gained a 14-point win Sunday afternoon.

Not much success has gone the Oklahoma City Thunder's way in the last few years against the Sacramento Kings, but that changed Sunday afternoon. 

After an eight-game losing streak to Sacramento, Oklahoma City closed out with a 127-113 victory to get back to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. It came off the backs of a 70-point combined effort from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, each giving masterful performances that the Kings couldn't manage to defend. 

The Thunder had an efficient offensive day, shooting 54% from the field and 48% from 3-point range. It also had the clear advantage from the free-throw line, converting 22-of-27 attempts compared to Sacramento's 9-of-13. 

It served as a nice bounce back game after the 146-111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where Oklahoma City struggled immensely in all facets. Defeating the Kings is important for the tight race in the West where every game matters, especially those that are in the playoff picture.

Here are three takeaways from the win:

Dec 14, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) greets Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) after the game at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

It's Great to Have J-Dub Back

Although Williams fell out of the rotation due to a short-term injury, the forward is back in full effect. 

In his third game back, Williams recorded a near triple-double of 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists on 13-of-20 shooting from the field and a plus-minus of +26. He was sensational all night, once again showing how important he is to the Thunder's success. 

It also shows why Oklahoma City loses so much of its firepower when Williams leaves the lineup, lacking a scoring punch and versatility that the sophomore can provide. He played like a borderline All-Star before the break, and very well could be one next season if he continues to progress the same way. 

When Williams goes for a 32-piece and Gilgeous-Alexander also has a 38-point night, it's overwhelmingly difficult to beat the Thunder. Assuming that continues into the playoffs, any team that must face that one-two punch will have a rough series. 

Giddey’s Struggles Continue

There hasn't been a consistently good stretch for Josh Giddey throughout the entire 2023/24 season, and Sunday was another poor entry in a disappointing year for the guard. 

Giddey had just five points, five rebounds and four assists on 2-of-6 shooting, doing little to sway the game in Oklahoma City's favor throughout the contest. He almost seems non-existent in certain situations, failing to serve as a reliable scoring option or threat. 

Teams are beginning to figure out how to defend Giddey, which typically means leaving him a ton of space to make him shoot it from the outside, rather than get to the basket. It creates some problems for the Thunder by slowing down the offense and causing poor spacing.

The 21-year-old's offensive struggles could pose a problem once the playoffs roll around, especially if he can provide little on the offensive end. And it could result in him being taken out of games, making an already tough series into one without one of its perceived biggest pieces.

Oklahoma City will have to maximize Giddey's strengths, or he’ll be a tough play against most opponents starting in April. 

Awaiting Hayward's Arrival

Although the Thunder came out with a win, the bench production lacked after the Gordon Hayward trade was made official at the trade deadline. 

Hayward is still recovering from his injury and did not suit up for Sunday's game, so the absence of Vasilije Micic, Tre Mann and Davis Bertans with no replacement is hurting the Oklahoma City lineup. Especially at the backup guard position, it didn't have much to retain what its former guards could provide.

The highest scorer off the bench was Kenrich Williams, who only scored six total points. While it didn't effect the Thunder yesterday, it could start posing problems until Hayward makes his debut on the roster.  

Luckily for Oklahoma City, Hayward should be making his debut in the next couple of games. The veteran forward will be a huge piece for the rotation, providing veteran experience and a catch and shoot ability that Gilgeous-Alexander will love to utilize. 

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