Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe scored a combined 70 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder returned to form with a comprehensive 126-101 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, MySportDab Reports.
The Western Conference leaders were looking for a counterattack after suffering a hard loss to Cleveland, and they showed no signs of any struggle, exploding to a 31-17 lead after the first quarter. A scorching 39-point second quarter gave Oklahoma City a 70-43 halftime lead, and the Knicks had no path to recovering.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 39 points and shot 15-for-21 from the field, and Joe also had a massive showing for the bench, nailing eight threes on his way to 31 points. The win improved Oklahoma City to 31-6 and extended their lead in the Western Conference standings to six games over the Houston Rockets.
Celtics Shocked by Kings
The Sacramento Kings upset the reigning champion Celtics in Boston, 114-97.
DeMar DeRozan was the leading scorer with 24 points, but Domantas Sabonis was the star with 23 points and a jaw-dropping 28 rebounds. Malik Monk and Keegan Murray added 22 and 19 points, respectively.
Boston also struggled on offense, shooting only 40.5% from the field and connected on only 11 of 41 three-pointers. “It puts pressure on your defense when you’re having inefficient offense,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged.
Giannis Dominates Banchero in Milwaukee Victory
Giannis Antetokounmpo broke off a 41-point masterpiece in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic.
The Greek star also had 14 rebounds and four assists, three steals and two blocks, and Damian Lillard added 29 points. Fresh off the bench after missing 34 games with an oblique injury, Paolo Banchero dazzled with 34 points but not enough to lead the Magic to victory.
Sixers Vanquished by Pelicans Without Suspended Zion
Even without the suspended Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans were too much for the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 123-115.
C.J. McCollum topped all scorers with 38 points, while Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 30.
In other N.B.A. action, the Indiana Pacers plagued the Golden State Warriors’ woes with a 108-96 win in Indianapolis.
