Takeaways: OKC Thunder have award front runners after Warriors comeback

Contributions about from the OKC Thunder.

Jalen Williams was pivotal in this game. After Gilgeous-Alexander checked out at the end of the third, Williams kept the Thunder afloat and steady with the Warrior’s efforts. Scoring ten of his 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, Williams put on his best Gilgeous-Alexander impersonation with a series of mid-range jumpers and onslaughts to the rim.

Josh Giddey had a seemingly quiet day: eleven points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. But his impact was felt throughout the game. Hitting a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter to aid Williams in maintaining position with the Warriors and got the assist on the SLOB play to set up Holmgren for the game-tying bucket.

Cason Wallace was everywhere. The rook continues to show his worth and make the all-rookie case with performances like last night. He was making his impact felt on both ends, guarding Curry for the second time in his young career and doing so masterfully, causing Curry to put up a wild shot that led to Looney’s rebound, Holmgren’s block, and Wiggins’s three. His pure effort forced a turnover for Thompson early in the game.

Isaiah Joe didn’t knock down seven three-pointers on as many attempts, but he had many timely buckets, scoring ten points and doing much more than just shooting the basketball. Getting downhill, finishing through contact, and blocking jump shots, Joe had his fingerprints all over this game and even closed out regulation with Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Williams, and Wallace.

The OKC Thunder travel tonight to Portland, and with them, they carry a 9-4 record, an MVP candidate, a ROY favorite, and the funniest team in the NBA.