What critical moment did Kawhi Leonard face towards the end of the game? What was the overall impact of these players’ absences on the Thunder’s performance? How did Aaron Wiggins contribute to his team’s turnaround during the game?
As valuable final seconds ticked away, Kawhi Leonard needed to hurry. He received the ball and went right. Hoping to create a driving lane against Alex Caruso, all he could muster was a deep contested mid-range jumper. As Cason Wallace came over to help, Leonard quickly shot a turnaround fadeaway jumper that clanked the rim.
The critical defensive stop sealed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 103-101 win over the LA Clippers. Battered and bruised without Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, OKC dusted off its shoulders and went on the road to beat a red-hot LA squad.
Early on, the Thunder finally looked human. Both teams struggled to score before the Clippers built a 34-24 lead after the first quarter. That was with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing the quarter, too. Without Williams and Holmgren, the bench lineup could’ve decided the outcome.
For the Thunder, Aaron Wiggins stepped up as the go-to scorer. They found a groove on offense while the Clippers struggled to generate buckets. In a surprising development, OKC had a 33-17 second-frame scoring advantage to enter halftime with a 57-51 lead.
Both teams couldn’t create distance on the scoreboard in the second half. The Clippers kept up with 26 points in the third quarter. The Thunder entered the final frame with a slight 81-77 advantage. A close contest was surely guaranteed.
That happened as neither team led by more than seven points in the fourth quarter. After Ben Simmons’ transition floater, the Thunder only had an 88-87 lead with eight minutes left. The rest of the contest was played within a single possession as they went back and forth.
Amir Coffey gave LA its first lead of the second half at the free-throw line. With a 91-90 score with seven minutes left, the Thunder quickly answered on the other end. The final two minutes filled the air with drama as it resembled a playoff atmosphere.
Down 99-97, Lu Dort found Caruso for the corner 3-pointer. After James Harden turned it over on the other end with a lazy inbound pass, Caruso scored at the free-throw line when he was fouled in transition. The Thunder suddenly had a 101-99 lead with 1:33 left.
Fast forward to a minute later and the Clippers had the ball with a 101-100 deficit. Norman Powell’s 3-pointer missed but the ball ricocheted to Ivica Zubac for the offensive rebound. Leonard had 17 seconds to score a possible game-winner but settled for a deeply contested jumper that missed.
Down by three points with three seconds left, Caruso smartly fouled Leonard to go to the free-throw line. He intentionally missed the second attempt but the Clippers couldn’t come up with a last sixth-of-a-second miracle.
The Thunder shot 40% from the field and went 12-of-35 (34.3%) from 3. They shot 17-of-20 on free throws. They had 28 assists on 37 baskets. Six Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 26 points but on 29 shot attempts. Wiggins stepped up with 19 points. Isaiah Hartenstein had a 14-point double-double. Caruso finished with 14 points. Dort had 10 points and four rebounds in his return from hip impingement. Jaylin Williams contributed with 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Meanwhile, the Clippers shot 43% from the field and went 8-of-26 (30.8%) from 3. They shot 23-of-28 on free throws. They had 20 assists on 35 baskets. Three Clippers players scored double-digit points.
Leonard led the way with 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, 10 rebounds and three assists. Harden had 17 points on 4-of-14 shooting, eight assists and five rebounds. Zubac tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds. Powell was limited to nine points on 4-of-12 shooting.
Even though the Thunder have locked up the first seed, these experiences could pay dividends in the playoffs. To go to LA and beat one of the hottest teams fully healthy is such a confidence boost. Add in Williams’ and Holmgren’s absence, and the impressiveness of this victory multiplies tenfold.
You just know the veteran Clippers had this game circled on their calendar. After all, it’s a possible playoff preview. So for OKC to finish off the four-game sweep of its regular-season series between the squads is as much about flexing its dominance as creeping closer to 60 wins.
Let’s look at Thunder player grades:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: C
Already at the top of the scouting report for 29 other teams, the Clippers felt extra comfortable solely focusing on Gilgeous-Alexander. To LA’s credit, the strategy almost won the contest. The MVP candidate had one of his worst games of the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points on 7-of-29 shooting, eight assists and three rebounds. He shot 1-of-7 from 3 and went 11-of-11 on free throws. He also had two steals and two blocks.
The superb-efficient scorer was uncharacteristically inefficient. Instead, he looked akin to prime Harden with his inefficient shot-chucking of 26 points on 29 shot attempts. Kris Dunn was pesky against the MVP candidate. Rotate through others like Leonard, Harden and Derrick Jones Jr. and Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t gain a rhythm.
Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander relentlessly drove to the basket. He drew contact and got to the free-throw line at a decent clip. Two critical makes after an intentional foul put OKC up by three points with three seconds left.
Not much can be taken away from this outing. If Williams and Holmgren are out, teams will entirely focus on Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder plan to avoid this unique scenario in the playoffs.
Alex Caruso: A-plus
When the Thunder added Caruso, he was a popular pick to be a potential X-factor in the playoffs. Shuffle this game to the top of the evidence case of how that can look on the court. In his second start of the season, the 31-year-old single-handedly changed the outcome.
Caruso finished with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, six rebounds and five assists. He shot 2-of-7 from 3 and went 2-of-4 on free throws. He also had two steals.
The final two minutes of a two-point game turned into a personal Caruso highlight package. First, he scored a critical corner 3-pointer to give the Thunder the lead. Then he stole the ball on the next possession when Harden threw it in on the inbound pass.
Caruso split a pair of free throws when fouled to avoid giving up the easy layup. The small mistake was quickly forgiven. He shut down Leonard in the final seconds and didn’t let him get any of his favorite mid-range spots. Instead, he held his ground and forced him to take a contested deep jumper.
Up by three points, Caruso made the savvy play to foul Leonard. The Thunder could afford to let him get to the free-throw line with three seconds left. The plan worked out as OKC escaped with an impressive road win thanks to the 31-year-old stepping up in the final moments.
This is why the Thunder traded for and signed Caruso to a long-term deal. Only a handful of role players like him can completely disrupt a game’s flow without adding up box score stats. He’s one of the NBA’s best defenders and that was shown down the stretch.
Aaron Wiggins: A
With Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench, the Thunder’s double-digit deficit could’ve ballooned to 20-plus. No Williams or Holmgren spelled disaster as they usually man the second-unit lineup. Instead, Wiggins stepped up and led a 15-0 run to get right back into it.
Wiggins finished with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting, three rebounds and an assist. He shot 3-of-8 from 3.
Badly needing another scorer, Wiggins stepped up to the plate. He served as the Thunder’s second-best scorer and took advantage of the extra shot attempts. The 26-year-old found a groove in the second quarter and helped close it with a loud fourth frame. Deep outside attempts showed how much he’s progressed as a scorer.
The Thunder needed Wiggins to step up. He’s back on the high side of the ebbs and flows of his season. He’s scored double-digit points in three straight games now. It’s a ridiculous spoils of riches to have somebody like him come off the bench and step up.
Lu Dort: B
After a three-game absence due to hip soreness, Dort returned. Talk about perfect timing, too. He did it just in time to match up against his archrival Harden. The two have been linked for five years, dating back to their 2020 NBA playoff series.
Dort finished with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, four rebounds and two assists. He shot 2-of-4 from 3. He also had a block and steal.
Harden’s been on a heater during this Clippers’ hot streak. Facing off against Dort, he was splashed in cold water and limited to 17 points on 14 shot attempts. It’s always a fun matchup to see those two square off. In this latest round, Dort got the better hand against Harden.
Highlights:
Short-handed Thunder Shut Down Clippers in 103-101 Win
In an electrifying contest that showcased resilience and tenacity, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a thrilling 103-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite missing several key players, the Thunder displayed collective grit and an unwavering determination that proved pivotal in securing the win. This nail-biting game not only highlighted Oklahoma City’s potential but also marked a crucial moment in the ongoing NBA season.
The Thunder entered this showdown missing key contributors, particularly their dynamic duo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, both sidelined due to injuries. With a shorthanded rotation, the onus fell on the remaining players to step up and fill the void left by their absent stars. This sense of urgency fostered a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among the squad, proving that basketball is often as much about teamwork as it is about individual talent.
From the tip-off, it was clear that the Thunder were not going to back down. An early burst of energy and aggression set the tone for the game, as players like Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams stepped into larger roles. Dort, renowned for his defensive prowess, gave the Clippers fits on both ends of the court, while Williams showcased his versatility, contributing with rebounding and opportunistic scoring. Their contributions were critical in maintaining pace with a Clippers team rich in talent and experience.
The first half saw a tightly contested scoreline, with the teams exchanging leads in a fierce battle reminiscent of a heavyweight boxing match. The Thunder’s young players demonstrated poise and resilience, absorbing the Clippers’ initial offensive onslaught led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers jumped to an early lead, but the Thunder’s young core quickly recalibrated, finding gaps in the Clippers’ defense and executing plays with precision.
As the halftime buzzer approached, the Thunder’s grit led to a striking comeback. They closed the second quarter on a high note, courtesy of a well-executed offensive series, marking a 12-0 run that turned the tide in their favor. By the time the halftime siren sounded, the Thunder had established a narrow but crucial lead, 53-50.
Coming out of the break, the Thunder maintained their momentum, bolstered by the loud cheers of their home crowd at the Paycom Center. While the Clippers made determined attempts to reclaim the lead, the Thunder’s defense remained resolute. Rookie Chet Holmgren emerged as a defensive stalwart as he effectively disrupted the Clippers’ shot rhythm with his length and shot-blocking ability. His contribution highlighted the Thunder’s strategic emphasis on defense, which played a crucial role in staving off the Clippers’ offensive firepower.
The dynamic back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the fourth quarter. The Clippers found their stride and equalized late in the game, putting significant pressure on the Thunder. The atmosphere became electric, as fans sensed the intensity of a playoff-caliber game. Leonard and George displayed their clutch genes, challenging the Thunder’s resolve with every possession.
With the score tied and time winding down, it became a test of nerves. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault demonstrated remarkable trust in his young players by allowing them to take the reins in this critical moment. The decision paid off. As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, it was Dort who emerged as the hero. In a display of ice-cold composure, he nailed a three-pointer to propel the Thunder to a 103-101 lead with just seconds remaining. The roar of the home crowd reflected the ferocity of the crowd’s support, elevating the drama on the court.
In the closing moments, the Clippers made one final push, but the Thunder’s defense held strong. They forced a missed shot from Leonard before snatching the rebound, effectively sealing the victory. The final buzzer rang, and the Thunder celebrated a hard-fought win, one that underscored the strengths of their depth and resilience.
The victory over the Clippers serves as a significant morale booster for the Thunder, showcasing their potential to compete against established franchises while emphasizing the strength of their young roster. Despite their struggles with injuries, this win showcases the promise of the Oklahoma City Thunder as they continue to build towards a competitive future in the NBA.
For fans and analysts alike, this game was not simply a victory on the scoreboards but rather a testament to the Thunder’s fortitude and determination. It sends a message to the rest of the league: even when short-handed, Oklahoma City remains a formidable opponent, ready to battle for every win and leave their mark on the NBA landscape. As the season progresses, expectations will grow, but for now, the Thunder can relish this moment—a climactic affirmation of their growth and potential.
In a tightly contested matchup, the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder managed to secure a narrow 103-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The game highlighted the resilience of the Thunder, who, despite missing key players, executed their game plan effectively. Clutch performances and defensive stops in the final moments sealed the win for Oklahoma City, showcasing their grit and determination on the court.