Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 135-119 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on February 28, 2025, at State Farm Arena. This win strengthens the Thunder's impressive record against the Eastern Conference, now standing at 21-1, showcasing their offensive prowess and ability to manage adversity.
From the outset, the Thunder established dominance, jumping to a significant 40-23 lead after the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was closely monitored by Hawks guard Trae Young, started the match strongly, setting the tone for the Thunder's performance. Alongside him, Lu Dort and Jalen Williams both contributed 20 points, providing solid support and efficiency on the offensive front.
"We try to prioritize the other team's engines. Tonight, it was Trae," remarked Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, underscoring their strategy. The team showed remarkable composure, especially after losing key player Chet Holmgren to an ankle injury mid-game, which could have altered their momentum. Holmgren had been instrumental early on with his aggressive play but was unable to continue after the first half.
The first quarter witnessed the Thunder converting 16 of 26 shot attempts, including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc, forcing the Hawks to deal with early turnovers. Despite this dominant start, Oklahoma City faced challenges as Atlanta clawed back, reeling off 14 consecutive points, narrowing the Thunder's lead to just 71-64 by halftime. The Hawks found their rhythm, driven by Onyeka Okongwu, who notched 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Caris LeVert, who similarly contributed 23 points off the bench.
"It wasn’t our best defensive night, but we did a decent job on him," noted Daigneault, reflecting on the team's efforts to keep Young's scoring under control. Young ended up with 19 points and 12 assists but struggled with his shooting, going 5-of-14 from the field.
Despite the second quarter hiccup, the Thunder rebounded well. The third quarter was where Oklahoma City truly made their statement, extending their lead with a 37-point quarter. This surge was spearheaded by Dort and Gilgeous-Alexander, who ignited the Thunder with quick sequences of three-pointers, leading to a staggering 108-84 score entering the final frame. Dort, who shot 6-of-11 from deep, managed to shake off his recent cold streak effectively, contributing significantly to the third-quarter blowout.
Naivety would have suggested the Thunder may falter again, reminiscent of their previous games, but they maintained their composure, dampening any comeback attempts by Atlanta. The Hawks never got closer than 11 points after the third quarter, proving the Thunder's depth and preparation were top-notch. With Gilgeous-Alexander pulling the strings, they executed their plays effectively, finishing off the Hawks for their 48th win of the season, improving their record to 48-11.
The final scoreline reflected the balanced effort by Oklahoma City, demonstrating their ability to adapt even when faced with injuries. Six Thunder players scored double digits, ensuring offensive threats came from all angles. Besides Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams showed agility on the floor, finishing with 20 points, eight assists, and moving effectively through defenses.
"I know what it's going to be every night; it’s more about the schemes of the team defenses," Gilgeous-Alexander stated, emphasizing his focus on strategy over worrying about any individual defender. His competitors' performances will continue to be pivotal as the playoffs approach.
Looking forward, the Thunder's next matchup will take them to San Antonio, where they’re expected to continue their hot streak. The Hawks, on the other hand, will take on the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to turn their recent fortunes around. This latest defeat adds pressure to Atlanta as they aim for playoff positioning.
Clearly, with players like Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and strong supporting roles providing necessary backup, the Thunder are well on their way to making noise as the regular season rolls on, aiming for their best postseason run yet.