Oklahoma City Thunder light up the scoreboard with historic 49-point quarter
The Oklahoma City Thunder are making waves this season, boasting an impressive 13-1 record that places them at the top of the NBA standings. With the best net rating and defensive rating in the league, the Thunder are riding high on the momentum of their first-ever NBA Championship banner, following a historic 68-win season last year that featured the league’s best point differential.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
This hot start hasn’t come without its challenges. The Thunder have navigated a demanding schedule, already playing three back-to-backs and leading the league in games played. Remarkably, they have managed to push through the early season grind, which included two double overtime contests, all while dealing with a shortened offseason.
Injuries have compounded these difficulties, with key contributors sidelined. All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, veteran big man Kenrich Williams, and rookie guard Nikola Topic are still awaiting their season debuts. Additionally, rookie Thomas Sorber is out for the year after suffering a torn ACL during the offseason. The absence of rising star Chet Holmgren, defensive stalwarts Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, and top bench scorer Aaron Wiggins, all of whom have missed multiple games, makes the Thunder’s 13-1 start even more impressive.
A Record-Setting First Quarter
In a lopsided contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Thunder faced yet another test, entering the game without their second-leading scorer, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic. However, that didn’t stop them from etching their names in the record books.
In a stunning display of offensive firepower, the Thunder erupted for 49 points in the first quarter, outpacing the Pelicans, who managed just 24 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, contributing 11 points in the opening frame, while Lu Dort added four three-pointers and Chet Holmgren chipped in with nine points.
Oklahoma City maintained their lead, heading into halftime with a commanding 69-56 advantage despite a spirited run from the Pelicans in the second quarter.
Looking Ahead
As the Thunder eye a potential 14-1 start, they will need to fend off the Pelicans for the remaining two quarters. Next, they return home to the Paycom Center to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they continue to make headlines throughout the season. The Bricktown Ballers are proving to be a force in the league, and their journey is just beginning.
