SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-129 victory over the Utah Jazz, snapping Utah’s six-game winning streak on Thursday night. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, while Williams added 27, including a crucial 11 in the fourth quarter.
Williams, with an impressive 11-of-14 shooting, made four 3-pointers and has consistently scored at least 25 points in his last three games. Cason Wallace also had a standout performance, scoring a season-high 16 points. Josh Giddey contributed a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Thunder to 19 fast-break points.
The Jazz, who had been on a nine-game home winning streak, faced a formidable challenge in the Thunder. Collin Sexton led Utah with 31 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 26. Despite their efforts, the Jazz couldn’t sustain their winning momentum.
A crucial moment in the game came when Sexton’s scoring efforts brought Utah within four points, but Wallace’s fourth 3-pointer for the Thunder extended their lead. Jordan Clarkson responded with a 3-pointer for Utah, but a crucial block by Chet Holmgren on Walker Kessler’s dunk attempt and subsequent defensive plays sealed the win for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder’s strong start in the fourth quarter, with Williams’ 3-pointer leading a 6-0 run, set the tone for their lead. Although the Jazz tied the game twice in the third quarter, they were unable to overtake the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s aggressive play in the lane and success at the free-throw line helped Oklahoma City establish an early 34-15 lead. The Jazz managed to close the gap to just three points, but the Thunder’s 60% shooting in the first half and balanced scoring from the starters kept them ahead, tying their season high in first-half points.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will conclude their four-game road trip against Minnesota on Saturday night, while the Jazz begin a six-game road trip in Houston the same night. Both teams will aim to build on their performances as they continue their campaigns in the NBA season.
