OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a statement win on Thursday night, snapping the Los Angeles Clippers’ nine-game winning streak with a resounding 134-115 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 31 points, but it was Chet Holmgren’s highlight-reel dunk that stole the show and swung the momentum in Oklahoma City’s favor.
Trailing by a point in the third quarter, Holmgren’s audacious self-lob and dunk over Ivica Zubac ignited the Thunder and the home crowd. This play was the catalyst for a decisive 13-0 run, after which Oklahoma City maintained a double-digit lead. Holmgren finished the night with 23 points, showcasing his unique skills as a 7-footer.
The Thunder’s Lu Dort added an impressive 21 points, contributing to the team’s remarkable 58.6% shooting from the field. With this victory, Oklahoma City improved to 18-8, cementing their second-place position in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers, despite strong performances from James Harden (23 points) and Paul George (22 points), couldn’t keep pace with the Thunder’s relentless attack. Absent from the lineup was Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with a bruised right hip. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged Oklahoma City’s aggressive play, noting their ability to exploit the Clippers’ defensive lapses.
A notable moment came when former Thunder star Russell Westbrook, now with the Clippers, entered the game to a standing ovation from the Oklahoma City crowd. Westbrook contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds in his reserve role.
The Clippers briefly led early in the third quarter, but Oklahoma City quickly regained control, highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander’s steal and emphatic dunk over Daniel Theis, pushing the lead to 123-104 with five minutes remaining.
Unfortunately for the Thunder, Josh Giddey suffered a sprained left ankle late in the second quarter and did not return, after scoring 11 points on efficient shooting.
Harden struggled initially, hitting just one of his first ten shots, but rallied late in the first half to help the Clippers cut into a 14-point deficit, making it a 64-59 game at halftime.
Looking ahead, the Clippers face a tough challenge against Boston on Saturday, while the Thunder gear up for a showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, carrying momentum from this impressive win.
