5 takeaways from the second OKC Thunder double-overtime match of the season
By Alex Mcewen
The OKC Thunder slammed the door on the Utah Jazz, but it took double-OT to take care of business. T.I. provides 5 takeaways from the Overtime thriller.
The OKC Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 148-147 in their first game after the annual All-Star hiatus. What a memorable contest it was, the game went to double-overtime, OKC’s third OT match this season. And, their first victory, when the contest goes to an extra period.
With the win, Oklahoma locked up another season series over a divisional rival. To this point, the Thunder are 6-0 against the Jazz and Portland Trailblazers. The head-to-head record could come into play, down the line regarding playoff tie-breakers and seeding. After succumbing to the Thunder, in order for Utah to finish ahead of OKC in the standings, the Jazz must lose seven fewer games than Oklahoma City in their final 24 contests.
The game marked only the fourth instance this season where Utah has lost when scoring 115 or more points. On a negative note, 147 points are by far the most Utah has scored this season. Yes, it’s worth noting the game went to double-OT. But, the Jazz hung 129 on the scoreboard in regulation, tied for their fourth-highest scoring output of the current campaign.
Setting the tone
Oklahoma City forced an impressive 24 Utah turnovers, tied for Utah’s most of the season. The Thunder did a nice job taking care of the basketball committing a seldom 11 turnovers. The game marked the eighth instance where Oklahoma City committed 11 or fewer turnovers in an overtime contest.
It was also the 19th instance this season where OKC has forced 20 or more turnovers. The next closest team in the West is Sacramento who Oklahoma City will face tonight, they have accomplished the feat on 11 occasions.
The imposing turnover stats were somewhat negated, by lousy rebounding. The Thunder were out-rebounded by the Jazz 43-60, a difference of 17. Rebounding is one of the Thunder’s greatest strengths, considering they still won, despite Utah possessing such a large advantage in the category displays terrific growth for Oklahoma City.