Despite taking on an early 15 point lead, the Thunder lose in a battle of two tanks, losing to the Pistons by a score of 110-104. The Thunder are now on a nine-game losing streak, tying their seventh-longest losing streak in franchise history. Let’s look at three things from the contest in Detroit:
Thunder slowed down after hot start: After an impressive 32-point first quarter, Oklahoma City would slowly regress on the offensive end. As a team, the Thunder shot only 7-39 from behind the arc. Scoring would be the downfall for the Thunder with many missed shots late in the game.
“The fire was burning throughout the game, competitively… I thought we competed all the way through,” Coach Mark Daignault said. “Got ourselves back on track competitively tonight.”
After an impressive 40-point outing on Wednesday, Lu Dort led the Thunder with 26 points, six rebounds, and three steals on 9-20 shooting and 3-8 on 3-pointers. Darius Bazley finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Bazley is averaging 16.3 points per game since returning from injury.
SGA continues to contribute any way he can: Although he is still inactive, an update was made on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Coach Daigneault said that SGA is a little bit behind what the team was hoping for and we will get another update in two weeks. SGA stays active on the sidelines, helping the team however he can.
“He’s been very supportive. Definitely gives a lot of energy from the sideline,” said Moses Brown about SGA.
Key Pistons Performances:
- Former No. 4 overall pick, Josh Jackson, led the Pistons to victory with 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting.
- Isaiah Stewart followed this up with 15 points and 21 rebounds.