OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder staged an electrifying comeback, overcoming a 23-point deficit to secure a 135-127 double-overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors Sunday night. Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were at the forefront of the Thunder’s spirited rally, scoring 24 and 23 points respectively, while Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort each added 22 points to the team’s total.
The Thunder’s resilience was on full display as they matched a team record with 23 3-pointers from 63 attempts, showcasing their deep shooting capabilities. Despite a challenging start that saw them trailing significantly at halftime, the team’s adaptability and determination under coach Mark Daigneault’s guidance turned the tide in their favor.
RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points, supported by Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Dennis Schroder, who each contributed 19 points. However, the Raptors’ efforts were not enough to stave off the Thunder’s late-game surge.
Lu Dort’s performance in the second overtime was pivotal, scoring crucial points that put the Thunder ahead and maintained their lead. Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his scoring prowess, delivered key plays, including a game-tying three-pointer in the first overtime and a crucial block that prevented a Raptors’ win as the first overtime buzzer sounded.
The Thunder’s comeback was a testament to the team’s cohesive play and trust in each other, elements that Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted as crucial for sustainable success. The Raptors, on the other hand, faced the challenge of playing against a highly motivated and resilient Thunder team, despite an impressive first-half performance.
Missing key players due to injuries, the Thunder demonstrated their depth and ability to perform under pressure, making significant runs in the second half to erase the Raptors’ lead and force the game into overtime.
As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, the Thunder’s thrilling victory serves as a highlight of their season, improving their record to 35-15 and demonstrating their capability to overcome substantial deficits and secure wins in high-pressure situations.
