In an intense NBA Cup semifinal matchup in Las Vegas, the Oklahoma City Thunder turned the tide against the Houston Rockets after a lackluster first half, ultimately winning 111-96. Despite struggling initially, where both teams recorded their lowest shooting performance of the season, the Thunder’s second half showcased their offensive prowess, amassing an impressive 70 points.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described the first half as “muddled,” which accurately reflected the game’s early struggles. Both teams fought hard defensively, but it wasn’t until a pivotal play by Luguentz Dort that the momentum shifted. Dort’s steal and assist that led to a fast-break dunk from Cason Wallace energized both the team and the crowd, effectively lifting Oklahoma City’s spirits.
After trailing by a single point at halftime and having scored just 41 points in the first half, the Thunder found their rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 34 points and excelling especially in their three-point shooting. The team converted all five of their three-point attempts during that period, after previously struggling with just two successful attempts out of 18.
Jalen Williams, who contributed significantly with 20 points, highlighted the importance of settling into the rhythm of the game. Despite offensive struggles, he noted that the team’s defensive performance was consistent throughout. Daigneault acknowledged the Rockets’ solid defense and emphasized that the Thunder played with greater assertiveness in the second half, crucial for breaking through Houston’s strong defensive setup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander displayed an MVP-worthy performance, finishing with 32 points, along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, despite a rocky start where he made only one of his first nine attempts. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to rebound from a tough first half, demonstrating the caliber of player he is.
With this victory, the Thunder will advance to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the championship game on Tuesday. This matchup promises to be exciting, showcasing the Thunder’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, along with their commitment to strong defensive plays.
This turnaround highlights the potential of the Thunder as they gear up for the title game, underscoring a hopeful outlook as they build momentum towards a possible championship.