The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their remarkable run on Wednesday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons 119-103 at Paycom Center. With this victory, the Thunder extended their winning streak to an impressive 11 games, showcasing their dominance in the league this season.
Right from the start, Oklahoma City set the tone for the game, outscoring the Pistons 41-27 in the first quarter. Despite a valiant effort from Detroit in the second half, they were ultimately outmatched, especially without their star point guard Cade Cunningham, who was sidelined due to a left calf contusion.
Leading the charge for the Thunder was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a stellar performance with 33 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess was evident, as he made 10 of 26 shots from the field and was a perfect 11 of 12 from the free-throw line, including two 3-pointers. This victory marked his 69th consecutive game with 20 or more points, placing him among the elite company of Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson, who also achieved this feat.
Chet Holmgren also made a significant impact, contributing 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks. His aggressive play was crucial, especially after a quiet performance in the previous games. Holmgren set the tone early, stealing the ball and driving to the basket for an and-one layup, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Jalen Williams added to the Thunder's offensive output with 23 points, rounding out a well-balanced scoring effort that kept the Pistons at bay. The Thunder's victory was not just a win; it was a historic one. With this game, Oklahoma City achieved their 50th win by 10 or more points this season, tying the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the most such victories in a single season in NBA history. This record further cements the Thunder's status as one of the top contenders for the championship this year.
Moreover, the Thunder concluded the game with a remarkable 29-1 record against Eastern Conference teams this season, setting a new NBA record for the best inter-conference performance in league history. This achievement highlights their dominance over teams from the East and positions them as the team to beat as the playoffs approach.
Despite their success, the Thunder struggled with their perimeter shooting, hitting only 10 of 38 attempts from beyond the arc, which marks their worst 3-point shooting night since February 13, 2025. Nevertheless, their overall performance was enough to secure the win.
On the other side, the Pistons faced several challenges, including missing key players. Along with Cunningham, Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser, and Isaiah Stewart were all out due to a league suspension, while Tobias Harris left the game late in the third quarter with right Achilles tendinopathy. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed his frustration with the officiating, citing a disparity in free throw attempts during previous matchups against the Thunder.
"I'm disgusted by the way that game was officiated," Bickerstaff said, referring to a previous loss against Oklahoma City. "The disrespect has gone far enough, and I'm not going to allow our guys to be treated the way that they were treated tonight." His sentiments echoed the struggles the Pistons have faced this season, as they continue to search for consistency and respect in the league.
As the Thunder look ahead, they will face the Houston Rockets on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. CT. With the playoffs looming, Oklahoma City aims to maintain their momentum and solidify their position as championship favorites.
In a show of community support, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault wore custom Nike Air Force 1s in Oklahoma City colors during the game to honor Autism Acceptance Month. This initiative is part of a league-wide effort where coaches will wear similar shoes from April 2-9, 2025, with proceeds from an auction benefiting the "To The Max Foundation," a nonprofit dedicated to autism awareness. Daigneault expressed his pride in participating, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
Former Thunder players Dennis Schroder and Lindy Waters III also made their return to Oklahoma City, with Schroder scoring 15 points and dishing out seven assists, while Waters contributed three points and one assist. Their presence added an extra layer of narrative to the game, as fans reminisced about their contributions to the Thunder in previous seasons.
As the Thunder continue to break records and dominate the league, they are not just a team to watch; they are a force that could reshape the playoff landscape. With their eyes set on a championship, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this remarkable team can go.
