Longest streak in the NBA: Takeaways on OKC Thunder win vs Chicago Bulls

Isaiah Joe is a three-point cheat code.

Tied at 69 in the third quarter, Isaiah Joe made a three-pointer off the OKC Thunder’s patented guard-to-guard screening action to regain the lead. On the defensive end, he took charge of a Demar Derozan drive to preserve the lead and swing the momentum back to the Thunder in the crucial stretch of the game.

It perfectly encapsulated how vital the 24-year-old sharpshooter is to the Thunder. Joe scored 20 points on an incredible 5-for-7 shooting clip to turn himself into a sparkplug off the bench, as he always does.

Chet Holmgren’s words after the game painted the story of the game for Joe: “Tonight we didn’t shoot as hot from the floor, but Isaiah Joe didn’t get the memo. He was still making shots.”

Joe, who was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in October 2022, is now shooting 52 percent from beyond the arc on about six attempts per game. He has been shooting 18-for-22 from three in the past four games. His three-point numbers would have been astronomical if not for his early-season slump.

OKC Thunder would only be in their position with Isaiah Joe. He has been nuclear from deep and is a massive part of the team’s offensive manipulation. Joe has been used as a backline disruptor in the Thunder’s guard-to-guard screening actions—mostly and most effectively with SGA—to put him in favorable spots to shoot the three.

Sooner rather than later, Joe will be recognized as one of the most pivotal parts of the OKC Thunder core.