The OKC Thunder wrapped up 2024 just how they started it -- with a triumphant win at home for Loud City.
The Oklahoma City continued their tradition of playing on New Year's Eve on Tuesday night by taking on the Timberwolves and leaving with the dub 113-105. It was not all fireworks for the Thunder, however, as the first quarter could have definitely gone better.
The third quarter is where the squad, and some notable players, really helped solidify this victory. They are now on a 12-game winning streak, tying their own franchise record.
After ringing in the New Year on a positive note with this inter-conference win, we look back on OKC's last win of 2024 by pinpointing two standouts and two low-point contributors.
Studs and duds from Thunder win over Wolves on New Year's Eve
Stud: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This is just getting ridiculous with how much Shai shows up on these lists.
The clear-cut MVP favorite put up another strong case for the award, dropping 40 points while going 3-of-5 from long range and showing up defensively with 4 steals.
The Wolves had no answer for SGA the entire night, as he showed off the tight handles he has to split the defense like the Red Sea, and got a clutch buzzer-beating layup to cap off the third quarter.
He has made his case very clear for MVP now, as this was his 10th 30+point game of December. Definitely the way he wanted to end 2024!
Dud: The first half
It was a good thing the first half was not a sign of how the entire matchup would go, as offense was hard to come by on both sides.
This has been a running story for the club, as in many games the offense would not show up but the defense would allow them to win some games.
Jalen Williams could not get his shot to fall, as he only had 6 points in the first 24 minutes of action. It was really only Shai doing any of the scoring those first two quarters.
The team also only made three long-range balls, once again showing that the three-point shot is a concern in the long run.
Fortunately, this could easily be fixed at the deadline, as an elite three point shooter will likely be on the move.
Stud: Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein might be the greatest signing in franchise history, as he could be the missing piece for a Thunder championship.
He would once again have another double-double, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and also going a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe!
Even though the four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert was guarding him for the majority of the night, Hartenstein would win this matchup of the giants.
He would also out-rebound his opponent and play stellar defense, holding Gobert to just eight points.
Without him, the Thunder would find themselves in a very tricky position this season.
Dud: Jaylin Williams
Jaylin Williams had a very nice return for Oklahoma City, making an instant impact from three and defensively. Tuesday, however, was not one of those games for the fan favorite.
He would only make one of his four attempts from behind the arc and also looked lost on the other end of the court.
Defensively, he would get dominated in the paint by Naz Reid and driving guards like Anthony Edwards.
He needs to be more physical and confirm that his three point shot is reliable if he wants more time with this squad in the New Year.