Top Performers: Isaiah Joe and Jalen Williams Go for 50 in Phoenix
In their second game back from the All-Star break, The Oklahoma City Thunder dropped to three games below .500 and a game behind the 10th-seed Utah Jazz, effectively removing them from Play-In territory, after Friday night’s 124-115 loss to the Suns in Phoenix.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined due to what was mainly a hip flexor issue, Oklahoma City still found a way to cobble together a productive offense in the loss. The Thunder shot 43.2% from the floor and 39.5% from beyond the arc on 38 attempts, but failed to get to the line much, taking just 24 free throws compared to the Suns’ 32.
Despite Oklahoma City giving their best effort, Phoenix’s offense was difficult to contain. Devin Booker’s 25 points and eight assists and Chris Paul’s efficient 16 points and six assists would lead the way for the Suns while their bench, led by Cam Payne, would fill in the cracks and eventually help vanquish the Thunder.
Here are the top performers from Friday night’s loss:
Jalen Williams
While fellow teammate Josh Giddey failed to find his footing against the Suns, rookie guard Jalen Williams picked up the slack, taking over some of the ball-handling duties against Phoenix’s perimeter defense. Those opportunities led to him knocking down 8-of-14 of his shots, corralling six boards, and dishing out four assists while turning it over just twice.
Williams’ 22 points were the third-highest mark in the game. He also knocked down one of his three 3-point attempts and found his way to the free throw line six times, knocking down five of them.
Isaiah Joe
After being inserted into the starting lineup for just the second time this season, Joe’s incredible shooting ability helped him to a career-high – and game-high – 28 points. His production came on 11-of-17 shooting from the floor where he knocked down 6-of-12 of his 3-pointers, increasing his true shooting percentage to 67.7% on the season.
Post-game, Joe remarked, “Teammates were finding me, I was in the right position, knocking down shots.”
Without the feathery touch of Isaiah Joe, the Thunder might have lost by a lot more than just nine points.
Jaylin Williams
Lost in the sauce was Jaylin Williams’ performance. The rookie center went toe-to-toe with former first-overall pick, DeAndre Ayton, helping to hold him to just 14 points in 31 minutes.
Meanwhile, the 6-foot-10 Williams made the most of his limited opportunities, providing timely baskets and competing underneath the rim, finishing the night with 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, five rebounds, one steal, and five assists, turning it over just once.
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