This Thunder match there is violent. Facing the Cavaliers, who eclipsed their 15-game winning streak a week ago, the OKC men didn’t really laugh. 20 points difference after one quarter, 25 at halftime and 40 at the start of the fourth. 40 is also the number of pawns scored by a fiery Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Frankly ? It’s scary.
“It’s that kind of night, the one where nothing works.” –Kenny Atkinson
By his own admission, in a post-match press conference, the Cavaliers coach admitted to having tried everything. First with a classic major five, then with a very small composition to try to reverse the 3-point trend. On defense? From the zone, from man to man. And this bitter observation: regardless of the adjustments, the Thunder adapted perfectly and increased their lead until the final exit of the holders, at the end of the 3rd quarter.
You shouldn’t annoy the Thunder too much apparently.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) https://twitter.com/TrashTalk_fr/status/1880071447789597082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
OKC has always been able to provide the right response, thanks to a constant that knocked Cleveland out very quickly: energy. Kenny Atkinson spoke about “pit bulls” during his assessment with journalists. He is completely correct, because the intensity put by the Thunder throughout the meeting made it possible to counter both the five largest in size and to manage the attempt to come back by lighting up wide. No room to express themselves properly in attack, it would still be fine if the opponent paid for their efforts with a less intense attack. Missed.
Mark Daigneault’s band made perfect use of the transition time: 21 losses of balls caused, 30 points coming from these lost balls. To which must be added the 21 points on the counter-attack. Far too much for Cleveland to have the slightest hope in this meeting. And on a placed attack? A certain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, unplayable. 40 points for the favorite for the MVP title this season. At 17/26 shooting, the percentage is very correct.
-EFFICIENT. EFFECTIVE. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER.
⛈️ 40 PTS (in 29 minutes)
⛈️ 17-26 FGM
⛈️ 8 AST
⛈️ 2 STL
Thunder win the rematch and Shai becomes the 2nd player to score 40+ PTS in less than 30 minutes this season! pic.twitter.com/frjuKu3IAN
— NBA (@NBA) https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1880087064395317627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Overall, what to remember? The Cavaliers came up against a much stronger team than them tonight. It would be too complex to already put Cleveland in a box after the meeting, but we are nonetheless tempted to do so. Because the Thunder were above in every way, and no matter the response proposed. Looking forward to seeing this team in the Playoffs.
For Cleveland, head to Minneapolis to play the Wolves this Saturday. Kenny Atkinson wants to see his group in good shape and ready to bounce back, we must not let tonight’s correction consume people’s minds. For the Thunder, see you tomorrow evening in Dallas. To continue to impress the rest of the league.
